Student Opportunity SU24 – Microfluidic Droplet Generation and Polymerization of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Biological Applications Research Assistant

Post

Published on March 27, 2024

Job ID: 67104

Job Title: Microfluidic Droplet Generation and Polymerization of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Biological Applications Research Assistant

Application Deadline: Thursday, April 18, 2024 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Applications are only accepted through the Career Centre. Go to the Experience York portal through Passport York and search for the posting with the Job ID listed above. Note: applicants must be eligible to participate in the Research @ York (RAY) program, see eligibility criteria.

Hourly wage: $19 per hour

Hours per week: 11 hours per week

Start date: April 29, 2024

End date: August 30, 2024

Job description

Under the supervision of Professor Pouya Rezai, the Microfluidic Droplet Generation and Polymerization of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Biological Applications Research Assistant (for up to 11 hours per week) will contribute to the development of microfluidic devices aimed at generating microdroplets of imprinted polymers (IPs) and photopolymerizing them to produce solid IP microparticles. These IP microparticles possess surface cavities that exhibit specific affinity towards chemical and biological analytes, rendering them applicable in various fields such as sensors for detecting and quantifying emerging contaminants. The responsibilities of the RA student include:

• Conducting a comprehensive literature review.
• Designing, fabricating, testing, and characterizing microfluidic droplet generation devices for IPs.
• Optimizing previously developed devices and procedures to accommodate new IP compositions and target analytes.
• Collaborating with other researchers, including graduate students, research associates, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Participating in both individual and group meetings.
• Preparing deliverables such as conference presentations, journal manuscripts, invention disclosures, and patent applications.

Specific research activities the student(s) will be engaged in:

The RAY Student will be actively engaged in a variety of hands-on tasks, primarily centered around the production of cell-imprinted polymeric (CIPs) microparticles tailored for bacteria of varying sizes, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Through collaboration with Professor Rezai’s team, the student will acquire a series of skills in chemical handling, microfabrication, microfluidic assay development and testing, and data analysis, along with soft skills. The RAY student’s duties include:

• Conducting a thorough literature review on existing methods for microfluidic droplet generation.
• Utilizing SolidWorks to design microfluidic devices capable of generating IP microdroplets of different sizes.
• Fabricating microfluidic devices using various microfabrication techniques, including 3D printing, photo- and soft-lithography.
• Preparing IP prepolymer solutions.
• Evaluating different materials to determine suitable candidates for the continuous phase (C-phase) and discrete phase (D-phase) based on their physical properties, including viscosity and immiscibility.
• Optimizing the photopolymerization process of IP droplets within downstream microreactors integrated into the same microfluidic device.
• Conducting surface morphology analysis of CIP microparticles using SEM imaging.
• Characterizing the capturing efficiency of CIP microparticles through rebinding experiments using bacteria plate culturing methods.
• Working closely under the supervision of multiple mentors, including senior PhD students and postdocs, who will provide guidance throughout the research. The RAY student will report directly to these mentors on a day-to-day basis to discuss project progress.
• Participating in weekly meetings with the principal investigator.
• Contributing to the preparation of conference presentations, journal articles, and potential invention disclosures.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate York student. Applicants from diverse programs of study are encouraged. The Dahdaleh Institute welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples, and individuals of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrated interest in Mechanical Engineering or related fields such as Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, and/or Material Sciences.
• Familiarity with fluid mechanics, microfluidics, microfabrication, polymers, and advanced functional materials is considered advantageous.
• Proven skills, experience, and familiarity with conducting literature reviews.
• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting hands-on experiments.
• Excellent communication skills demonstrated through professional written and verbal correspondence, public speaking, and presentations.
• Proficient computer skills including word processing, email, database management, spreadsheets, and presentation software; familiarity with Office 365 Apps is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to work independently as well as collaboratively with researchers, students, and staff.
• Eagerness to learn, support others, and take initiative.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.

Application materials

• Cover letter
• Resume

If you have any questions, please email Pouya Rezai

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