Company Description

The Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC) is part of the National Microelectronics Center (CNM) and operates under the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). It is recognized as a Unit of Excellence María de Maeztu and is home to approximately 200 professionals, including researchers, technicians, administrative staff, and PhD students. Specializing in silicon-based micro and nano-technologies, devices, and systems, IMB-CNM conducts applied research and technology development across a wide range of fields. The institute features world-class scientific infrastructure, including the Micro and Nanofabrication Clean Room, which supports R&D collaboration with national and international research groups. IMB-CNM also offers advanced technology transfer, consulting services, industrial training programs, and outreach initiatives.

Role Description

The PhD candidate will contribute to the ASMEMS (Advanced Sensing Membranes for Precise Cell Culture Monitoring) project, an initiative aimed at advancing Organ-on-Chip (OoC) technologies to improve the precision and reliability of in vitro biomedical research. The project addresses this challenge by developing silicon-based porous membranes with integrated sensors for real-time, in situ monitoring of cellular processes. By replacing conventional polymer membranes with CMOS-compatible silicon structures, the project enables the integration of electrical and biochemical sensors directly within the chip platform. This approach allows detailed observation of cell–cell interactions, migration, and barrier integrity with high spatial and temporal resolution. Integration into a microfluidic system ensures stable long-term cell culture conditions and precise environmental control, supporting reliable modeling of physiological and pathological processes. 

What will you do:

• Develop silicon-based cell culture membranes. 
• Develop and integrate nanopillar electrodes on the membranes.
• Develop and optimize fabrication processes, with particular focus on photolithography and reactive ion etching (RIE).
• Characterise the fabricated devices to validate their performance. 

Who we are looking for:

• Education: Nanoscience/nanotechnology, Biomedical/Electronic engineering at Msc level.
• Autonomy: Strong ability to work independently in cleanroom environments, including designing fabrication strategies and executing processes. Close supervision and guidance will be provided by the principal investigators (PIs) based on their expertise. Characterisation in biological environments will also require a certain level of autonomy following appropriate training.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cleanroom technicians and other members of the GAB research group. 

What we offer:

• A CSIC PhD Training Contract and a tailored Career Development Plan designed to support your growth in this specific position, along with access to a wide range of professional development resources and career advancement opportunities.
• A dynamic international research environment located in Barcelona (UAB Campus).
• Access to Spain’s largest clean room facilities for micro/nano fabrication.
• Work hand in hand with experienced researchers and multidisciplinary teams

Minimum requirements:

• Familiarity with silicon or SiO₂ microfabrication.
• Knowledge of electrical/electrochemical measurement techniques.
• Ability to design, prototype, and evaluate integrated sensing platforms. Experience with cleanroom technologies.
• Basic understanding of cell biology and in vitro experimentation.
• Personal Skills: Teamwork - Critical thinking and problem solving - Scientific writing and oral presentations - Research Ethics and Integrity - Collaborative knowledge generation - Flexibility in scientific approaches and collaboration - Strategic thinking and vision-setting. 

Language Requirements:

• English: Full working proficiency.
• Spanish: Basic level desirable.
• Catalan: Basic level desirable.