Communicable diseases remain a major global public health threat worldwide. A timely example is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought the world to an unprecedented standstill, with more than millions confirmed infected and hundred thousands lives lost This crisis motivates the quest for new approaches to monitor and treat viruses with high spread potential, to rapidly and efficiently silence them. Here we propose a tool capable of rapidly testing the effect of new viruses in human tissues and of providing rapid response to viral agents.
Our project will develop a technology platform where engineered cell-structures, known as bio-nanomachines, can be controlled by radio frequency (RF) signals to release, control, navigate and uptake therapeutic molecules to silence viral infections. These therapeutic molecules, miRNAs, carried by exosomes, can silence cells infected by virus.
PhD Project 1 is on "Artificial intelligence-driven externally controllable radio frequency system" to advance by breakthrough RF-antennas targeting dielectric properties of cells and cell culture media with bio-nanomachines with disruptive modes of beamforming, spatial, temporal, and frequency diversity, antennas in an array and functional nanoparticles used as active low-frequency nanoantennas.
PhD Project 2 is "Artificial intelligence inspired molecular communications" is to predict behaviour of viral propagation. This prediction will be integrated with molecular communication simulation tools, which will integrate biophysical and statistical mechanic properties of the virus.
We seek a highly-motivated individual holding a master’s degree in signal processing, wireless communication, electromagnetics, information theory, biophysics, applied mathematics, or other relevant disciplines. A strong mathematical background and a research-oriented master thesis within one of these areas is expected. Further, the applicant must have experience with programming and willing to learn new topics like nanoscale molecular communications using optical and quantum theories. Publication activities in the aforementioned disciplines will be considered an advantage. Motivation for fundamental scientific research of practical relevance is essential. The candidate is expected to deliver min 3 journal articles within the duration of the project. The applicant should have good communication skills and be willing to collaborate with other researchers in the cross-disciplinary group of people connected to this project.