Student Opportunity FW24-25 - Microfluidic Droplet Generation of Imprinted Polymers RAY Student

Post

Published on July 16, 2024

Job ID: 69872

Job Title: Microfluidic Droplet Generation of Imprinted Polymers RAY Student

Application Deadline: Thursday, August 15, 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: 5 hours per week

Start date: September 3, 2024

End date: April 25, 2025

Job description

Under the supervision of Prof. Pouya Rezai, the RAY student will contribute to an ongoing project to develop a microfluidic device aimed at generating singleplex and Janus microdroplets of imprinted polymers (IPs) and photopolymerizing them to produce solid IP microparticles (for up to 5 hours per week):

The responsibilities of the RAY student include:

• Conducting a comprehensive literature review on microfluidic droplet generation and imprinted polymers for metal ions.
• 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 engaged in a variety of hands-on tasks, primarily centred around the production of ion-imprinted polymeric (IIPs) microparticles tailored for metal ions such as lithium. Through collaboration with Prof. 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 microeaters integrated into the same microfluidic device.
• Conducting surface moprhology analysis of IIP microparticles using SEM imaging.
• Characterizing the capturing efficiency of IIP microparticles thorugh ICP-MS and XRF 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.

Type of research experience the student(s) will receive:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication wit colleagues, mentors, supervisors, and the principal investigator, accommodating diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Proficiency in microfabrication techniques, including photo- and soft-lithography, and 3D printing.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD modeling.
• Development, testing, and characterization of microfluidic assays.

Type of training and support that will be provided to the student(s) in carrying out these research activities:

The student will work closely under the supervision of multiple mentors, including senior PhD students and postdocs, who will provide guidance throughout the research. These training opportunities encompass:

• Utilizing CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks.
• Engaging in microfabrication techniques including 3D printing, photo- and soft-lithography.
• Operating advanced instruments including fluidic components, (e.g., syringe pumps), microscopes, and microfabrication facilities.
• Curating and analyzing data, which may involve performing statistical tests and creating graphical representations.
• Communicating research findings through technical reports, presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
• Facilitating communcation with external experts, if necessary, to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange.

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 persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to 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

• Resume
• Cover Letter

If you have any questions, please email Pouya Rezai.

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