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internship
project; advancing bioassay sensor for detecting toxicity of hydrophilic organic pollutants in contaminated water

Type of project: Internship
Starting date: September/October 2024
Duration: 4-6 months
Education: university
Location: Wetsus, Leeuwarden        
Wetsus, European centre of excellence for sustainable water technology creates a unique environment and strategic cooperation for development of profitable and sustainable water treatment technology. The multidisciplinary collaboration between companies and research institutes from all over Europe in Wetsus results in innovations that contribute significantly to the solution of the global water problems. www.wetsus.nl

Project background:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join our team focused on the development and validation of an innovative bioassay sensor. Developed by Wetsus, the HyGenChip utilizes Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to detect the toxicity of hydrophilic organic compounds in contaminated water sources. These micropollutants pose significant environmental and health risks, and traditional detection methods often lack the necessary sensitivity. By refining and validating the HyGenChip, we aim to enhance its performance for reliable, real-time water quality assessment. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research addressing major environmental challenges while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic, interdisciplinary lab setting. Specifically, the HyGenChip will be utilized to monitor the quality properties of pumped water from Spain’s Campo de Cartagena aquifer.

Tasks:

  • Sensor Development: Assist in the refinement and optimization of bioassay sensors to improve their sensitivity and accuracy in detecting hydrophilic organic compounds.
  • Validation Studies: Conduct rigorous validation studies to assess the performance of the sensors in various contaminated water samples. This will include preparing samples, performing assays, and analyzing data.
  • Data Analysis: Utilize statistical and analytical methods to interpret the results of bioassays. Prepare detailed reports and presentations to summarize findings.

requirements:

  • Student with a background Microbiology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
  • Enrolment at European university. For non-EU citizens, enrolment at a Dutch university is required.
  • Practical laboratory experience and analytical work.
  • Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and independent thinker who enjoys working in a team.

Your benefits:
–     Possible allowance of €200, – to €400, – a month.
–     International work environment.
–     Hands-on research experience.
–     Contribution to the field of groundwater monitoring technology.
–     Participating in NINFA, a large EU project in collaboration with industry and academia.

How to apply
Please upload your CV (max. 2 pages) and motivation letter (max. 1 page) via the application form provided below. Do not hesitate to contact Ahmed Mahmoud (Ahmed.Mahmoud@wetsus.nl) if you have any further questions or you need more information.

Application form Advancing Bioassay Sensor for Detecting Toxicity of Hydrophilic Organic pollutants in Contaminated Water

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