Next-gen PIC fluorescence sensing for health and environmental monitoring

At Imec, we have conceptualized novel surface-sensitive fluorescence sensing platforms to measure the presence of specific analytes in both chemical and biological matrices [1-2]. Our sensors are based on photonic integrated circuits (PIC) which allows the collection of fluorescence emitted by surface-bound molecules with high sensitivity, even within the presence of high bulk fluorophore concentrations. Moreover, the sensors have been designed to be highly multiplexable, affordable, and mass manufacturable and because fluorescence responds on nanosecond timescales, they enable high‑speed readout without sacrificing sensitivity and molecular selectivity.

We are looking for one or more internship students to focus on:

1. The detection of trace concentrations of proteins in biological samples. This is relevant for research in life sciences, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical sciences, which rely heavily on the rapid, low-cost, and sensitive detection of biological molecules. Potential applications range from disease screening to the development of new therapeutical compounds, among others. In this internship the student will assist the team that is developing the sensor to gain a better understanding of the functioning and performance of the device by performing the following activities:
• Learn about surface-sensitive biosensors and their various implementations.
• Gain a theoretical understanding of photonic integrated circuits, waveguides sensing technology and its applications in the field of biosensing.
• Perform immunoassays on a device and benchmark against standard methods.
• Develop experimental workflows and contributes to system development
• Analyse and present experimental data.
  
   
2. The sensing performance of fluorescent metal–organic framework (MOF) on photonic waveguides for PFAS sensing. This is highly relevant for environmental science and semiconductor industries where there is a growing need for fast, sensitive and in‑line monitoring of PFAS molecules. While MOFs contribute to the chemical specificity and produce clear fluorescence changes upon interaction with bound molecules, the waveguide‑based excitation and collection ensure localized probing by using an evanescent field excitation and collection. In this internship, the student will contribute to experimentally evaluate PFAS‑tailored fluorescent MOF coatings on SiN waveguides towards PFAS sensing in aqueous environments. The student will assist the team in testing the sensor and to gain a better understanding of the functioning and performance by performing the following activities:
• Learn about surface-sensitive biosensors and their various implementations.
• Gain a theoretical understanding of photonic integrated circuits, waveguides sensing technology and its applications in the field of biosensing.
• Perform test assays on a device and benchmark against standard methods.
• Establishing calibration curves and determining the achievable limits of detection for this new waveguide‑based MOF sensing platform.
• Analyse and present experimental data.

The candidate(s):

1. You have a strong interest in experimental work, including working with optical setups, microfluidics, (molecular) biosensing and chemical sensing.
2. You are proactive and highly motivated to learn and develop new skills
3. You have a multidisciplinary background or mindset.
4. Background in photonics/environmental sciences, MOF chemistry/biochemistry experience and programming experience are a strong plus.
5. Given the international character of imec, a fluent knowledge of English is a must.

Reference

1. James Shirley, F., Neutens, P., Saleh, A. A., Steylaerts, T., Dusar, H., & van Dorpe, P. (2025). A Novel Interference-Based Supercritical Angle Fluorescence Biosensor. ACS Sensors, 10(12), 9391–9396.
2. Mahmud-Ul-Hasan, Md., Neutens, P., Vos, R., Lagae, L., & van Dorpe, P. (2017). Suppression of Bulk Fluorescence Noise by Combining Waveguide-Based Near-Field Excitation and Collection. ACS Photonics, 4(3), 495–500.