PhD position: Nanoelectronics and nanofluidics combined graphene edge sensors

PhD position:
Nanoelectronics and nanofluidics combined with graphene edge sensors

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Applying is possible until: 30 juni 2026

A PhD position in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, the group of Grégory Schneider.

Disciplines:
Graphene and 2D materials, Graphene sensors, Nanophysics, Nanopore fabrication, Molecular Breakjunctions, Nanofabrication.

The PhD project aims at fabricating and characterizing graphene edge sensors for single molecule detection and biopolymer sequencing. Nanofabrication of such devices will require the development of techniques that integrate nanofluidics with nanoelectronics, where the candidate’s previous experience in these fields is an asset.

The PhD student will be supervised jointly by Grégory Schneider (Leiden Institute of Chemistry) and Jan van Ruitenbeek (Leiden Institute of Physics).

DNA sequencing has become a widely accessible and affordable technology. Yet, the development has currently slowed down, and wider applications require further advances. With the added goals of sequencing proteins and polysaccharides, current state-of-the-art single molecule sensors, that obtain information indirectly by measuring the ionic current of molecular ions through nanopores, cannot discriminate between moieties of similar molecular size. The most advanced nanopore sensors can ‘read’ DNA polymers at the level of stretches of three nucleotides, but not at the level of a single nucleotide.

True base‑by‑base DNA sequencing would be possible with a material of a thickness comparable to the size of a nucleotide, and that allows direct transverse electrical readout. In this project, we will use graphene as transverse electrodes to identify, characterize, and sequence single molecules that are similar in size yet of a different chemical composition. The use of graphene also inherently proposes a solid‑state alternative to biopores.

We will leverage the outstanding electrical, chemical and mechanical properties of monolayer graphene to create atomically thin readout electrodes embedded in a nanofluidic channel. Single nucleotides within DNA strands that are passed through such devices will be sequentially trapped between two graphene contact electrodes thanks to well‑defined, chemically modified edges that are introduced onto the contacts. The contacts, thus bridged by a nucleotide, will yield a tunneling current uniquely characteristic for the trapped nucleotide.

Of paramount importance for reaching the project objectives is the appropriate functionalization of the graphene edges. Importantly, the device architecture will be scalable and tunable by unique chemistries that allow the generation of functional graphene edges, thus creating sensors with unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity.

The candidate should have a documented expertise in nanofabrication, nanoscience, low‑current device electronics, graphene or 2D materials devices. An asset would be to have demonstrated experience with tunneling devices, particularly in liquid. You will work in a highly collaborative environment as part of a multi‑national team of PhDs, MScs, and professional staff.

• Prior experience in experimental work and preferably have co‑authored one or more publications;
• High motivation for research and have an interest in theory;
• Talent to manage their time and progress as the work requires a high level of independence;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English;

The position will be for a maximum of 4 years, and the candidate is expected to complete a PhD thesis at the end of this period. A contribution to classroom teaching (maximum 10% of the time) will be part of the responsibilities of the candidate, as well as…