Computational protein design for hybrid nanopore sensors

This internshipproject addresses a key issue of nanopore technology: the integration of thebiopore with electronic devices. By designing new proteins that betterinterface solid-state nanopore technologies, we aim to enable the assembly of adense array of individually readable nanometer-scaled protein nanopores on asensor chip. Such a "hybrid nanopore" concept would open the door to nextgeneration DNA and protein sequencing approaches, as well as the development ofnovel wearable devices and point-of-care technologies for the real-timeidentification of molecules and biomarkers. In this Master thesis computationalprotein design will be leveraged to develop versatile hybrid nanopores. To findthe best possible fit to solid-state pores, we will use de novo design andhigh-throughput experiments combined with cutting-edge semiconductor processingtechniques. The Master thesis involves both wet lab and computational work witha balance that can be adapted to the candidate expertise/interests. The project proposed is a collaboration between VUB and IMEC.

Type of internship: PhD internship, Master internship

Duration: 5-6 months

Required educational background: Bioscience Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics, Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering

University promotor: Pol Van Dorpe (KU Leuven)

Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Jose Morales Hellin (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Koen Martens (< email deleted for security reasons >)

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-073. Mention this reference code in your application.

Applications should include the following information:

• resume
• motivation
• current study

Incomplete applications will not be considered.