About the job

Internship Opportunity at Diyalo Foundation

Position: Internship (Unpaid)

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

Duration: Minimum of 60 days (30 working days)

About Diyalo Foundation:

Diyalo Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing scientific research and education in Nepal. Our mission is to foster interdisciplinary research that addresses critical challenges in microbiology and related fields through innovative approaches. Diyalo Foundation partners with Phutung Research Institute (PRI) to enhance our research capabilities and outreach.

About Phutung Research Institute (PRI):

Phutung Research Institute (PRI) is a non-profit research institute based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Established in 2016, PRI aims to promote excellence in scientific and technological research in Nepal. The institute focuses on addressing the needs of developing countries through scientific, technological, and social innovations. Currently, PRI is involved in five projects in collaboration with various research organizations and universities across the globe.

Research Focus:

Drinking water contamination by fecal matter is a major public health problem in Nepal, similar to other developing countries. Assessing water quality for such contamination is often expensive and inaccessible. Therefore, PRI, in collaboration with Prof. Thomas Krauss at the University of York (UK), Diyalo Foundation (NL), and partners such as Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA, NL) and Delft University of Technology, has developed low-cost, portable optical devices to detect contaminants in water. These devices measure Tryptophan-Like Fluorescence (TLF) to identify fecal coliforms indicative of fecal contamination.

To enhance the specificity of our existing techniques, PRI conducts research in the following areas:

• On-chip Raman spectroscopy with nanophotonic waveguides [1]
• Optical trapping of E. coli for Raman spectroscopy [2]
• Measurement of bacteria in water via Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy [3]

PRI has strong expertise in Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy and has all necessary facilities to host students interested in highly experimental and multidisciplinary research in Nepal. Before traveling to Nepal, students will conduct literature studies and necessary preparatory work at their home institutions.

Internship Description:

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a background in optics, photonics, and Raman spectroscopy. The internship involves applying these concepts to microbiological applications, contributing to ongoing research projects, and working in a collaborative environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of optics/photonics/Raman spectroscopy.
• High motivation for multidisciplinary research.
• Willingness to work in Nepal for at least 60 days with 30 working days.
• Currently pursuing (or have completed) a BSc, MSc, or PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous research experience in microbiological applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful research projects.
• Hands-on experience in a multidisciplinary research setting.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers.
• Immersive experience in Nepal’s unique cultural and scientific landscape.

Please Note: This is an unpaid position.

Join us at Diyalo Foundation and be a part of groundbreaking research that makes a difference!

References:

• On-chip Raman spectroscopy with nanophotonic waveguides
• Optical trapping of E. coli for Raman spectroscopy
• Measurement of bacteria in water via Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy