Two Joint PhD Positions in AI-Enabled Microfluidic Biosensing and Microbial Fuel Cells Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani in

MMNE Lab at Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus is advertising two joint PhD positions in collaboration with Iowa State University.

Position 1: AI-Enabled LIG-Microfluidic Biosensing Platform for Early Detection of Livestock Diseases. This project sits at the intersection of microfluidics, biosensing, AI-enabled sensing, and biomedical engineering, with a strong translational focus on livestock health diagnostics.

Position 2: Edible and Implantable Microbial Fuel Cells for Biomedical Sensing. This topic combines microbial fuel cells, biomedical sensing, MEMS, and nanoelectronics, with emphasis on food-based, biocompatible, and miniaturized devices for in vivo monitoring applications.

The supervisors listed are Prof. Ponnalagu R N and Prof. Sanket Goel at BITS Pilani, together with Prof. Carmen L. Gomes and Prof. Ratnesh Kumar at Iowa State University. The role highlights process standardisation, optimisation, TRL enhancement, proof-of-concept development, prototyping, and validation in an innovation-driven research ecosystem.

Eligibility: M.E./M.Tech./M.S. in Engineering with at least 80% aggregate or 8.0 CGPA at both UG and PG levels. Candidates must clear the minimum cut-off in TOEFL/IELTS before moving to Iowa State University. Prior experience in sensors, microfluidics, MEMS, or nanoelectronics is preferred.

Funding: ₹4,44,000 per annum during the first two years in India and $28,000 per annum while in the USA. The poster also mentions full tuition waiver and health insurance coverage.

Deadline: 20 May 2026. Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter through the application form linked in the post.