PhD scholarship in Alternative Materials for Oral Devices and their in vivo Interactions – DTU Health Tech

In connection with our ERC Advanced grant “FREJA”, we are currently looking for our new PhD student who will be working on macroscale devices primarily aimed at enabling oral drug delivery of pharmaceutical compositions that cannot be delivered in a feasible manner using conventional dosage forms such as tablets and capsules. In the IDUN research section at DTU Health Tech, we have explored novel devices that can increase the systemic uptake of e.g. peptide drugs by facilitating an intimate contact between the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and the intestinal epithelium. As an example, we have developed a self-unfolding elastomeric foil which can be triggered in the small intestine. In broader terms, self-configurable devices are characterized by their ability to change shape in order to facilitate close proximity between API and the intestinal epithelium. Such devices must be contained in the limited inner volume of size 00-000 capsules and upon triggering in the small intestine or colon they must unfold or swell and mediate a substantial pressure against the intestinal lining. 

In collaboration with colleagues in IDUN working on the FREJA project, you will spearhead the implementation of alternative and sustainable materials design and development of devices that can improve retention and/or proximity to epithelium. We offer a highly creative, collaborative and ambitious work environment. This project will be part of the IDUN research section, led by Prof. Anja Boisen at DTU Health Tech. IDUN is a cross-disciplinary research section with over 50 members, that focuses on development of micro and nanotechnology-based sensors, detection systems, energy materials and drug delivery devices.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The position involves designing new device concepts, as well as further exploring possibilities for realizing the devices in biodegradable and sustainable materials. The project is anticipated to bring a completely new approach to fabrication and a focus on in vivo interaction/interface of devices/materials and the gut. One of the first materials of interest will be mycelium, the mass of branched, tubular filaments of fungi. 

You will be responsible for developing and characterizing sustainable materials and for developing new fabrication methods. For example, how can we shape and modify mycelium-based materials and use them for drug delivery? Your role will focus on new materials, as well as fabrication and in vitro/in vivo characterization of oral drug delivery devices, using the developed materials. 

This work will be carried out in close collaboration with your colleagues at DTU Health Tech. You will also be engaged in in vitro and ex vivo characterization of device performance and ultimately in vivo experiments on suitable animal models. The position offers ample opportunities for professional development including participation in exciting cutting-edge science, gaining mentoring experience, and the potential for initiating new research. 

You are expected to have a solid background in materials and/or plant-based science with a clear focus on how to shape and combine such materials into functional devices. Previous working experience in drug delivery devices and in vitro/in vivo experiments will be advantageous. You are highly curious, independent, self-motivated and enjoy collaboration in a multidisciplinary academic environment. You have the ability to drive the project, supervise students and achieve ambitious goals.   

The work will be carried out within the framework of IDUN. In IDUN, our motto is ‘bringing science to life’ and we believe in openness, inclusiveness, having ambitions, making a difference and collaboration. 

You will play a role in the drug delivery part of the research section, interacting with several members working in different disciplines, such as physics, biology, microfabrication, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science and polymer science. The project is highly interdisciplinary, and we expect that you enjoy teamwork and are good at coordinating your work with colleagues.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 15 November 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Postdoc Khorshid Kam Guyan ([email protected] ), Senior Scientific Consultant Mahdi Ghavami ([email protected] ), Senior Scientific Consultant Morten Bo Søndergård Svendsen ([email protected] ) and Prof. Anja Boisen ([email protected] ).

You can read more about DTU Health Tech at www.healthtech.dtu.dk. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 12 August 2024 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Copy of relevant publications if applicable

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Health Tech
With a vision to improve health and quality of life through technology, DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation based on technical and natural science. We educate tomorrow’s health tech engineers and create the foundation for new and innovative services and technologies for the globally expanding healthcare sector with its demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech’s expertise can be described through five overall research areas: Diagnostic Imaging, Digital Health, Personalised Therapy, Precision Diagnostics, and Sensory and Neural Technology. Our technologies and solutions are developed with the aim of benefiting people and creating value for society. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 140 PhD Students, and a technical/administrative support staff of about 100 persons of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.