Sensors play a pivotal role in modern analytical sciences, particularly in the development of high-performance platforms for the detection of biological and chemical analytes. Applications span health care, environmental monitoring, breath diagnostics (breathonics), and industrial safety. Whether detecting biomarkers in body fluids or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, target molecules are typically found at trace concentrations, often in complex sample matrices. This necessitates the design of sensing systems that are highly sensitive, selective, and robust under diverse operating conditions. Nanomaterial-based sensor platforms, such as carbon nanotube (CNT)-based field-effect transistors (FETs), emerged as promising candidates, enabling the development of compact, label-free, and real-time sensors suitable for point-of-care diagnostics and opening doors for wearable health technologies.
This project work or master's thesis focuses on the analytical and structural characterization of such nanoengineered sensors tailored for biological sensing or gas detection applications. The work includes the selective functionalization of sensor surfaces, optimization of sensor interface chemistry, and evaluation of device performance in liquid or gaseous environments. The device functionalization and structural modifications are studied via microscopy analysis, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and the sensor response is monitored via electrical measurements. The goal is to correlate surface structure and composition with sensing behavior, contributing to a multimodal understanding of sensor performance. In particular, the sensor structures – thanks to their transistor configuration and modular functionalization options – enable AI-based evaluation methods, such as principal component analysis.
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic student to join our team for a project work or master's thesis, where you will have the opportunity to make significant contributions to cutting-edge sensor technologies in the fields of biological sensing and gas detection.