PhD scholarship in Additive Manufacturing of Microsystems for Vaccine Delivery – DTU Nanolab

Are you keen on contributing to the development of novel vaccination strategies by applying your microengineering skills? Here, we can offer you a unique opportunity to do exactly that in a dynamic research environment. In the MINERVA project, we are looking for a talented PhD candidate for the additive manufacturing of novel microsystems for delivery of mRNA vaccines. In this project, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, you will work in close collaboration with researchers at DTU Nanolab, DTU Health Tech and at Statens Serum Institute (SSI). 

You will be based at DTU Nanolab, where we conduct cross-disciplinary research and apply micro- and nanotechnology to a wide range of scientific disciplines and applications. The Biomaterial Microsystems group is a highly ambitious group, pursuing research on microfabrication of 3D polymer and carbon structures and devices and their application in drug delivery, bioelectrochemistry and sustainable energy.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Covid-19 mRNA vaccines have been a breakthrough in rapid pandemic vaccine development, effectively protecting infected patients against disease and death. However, mRNA vaccines are yet unable provide protection against disease transmission between people. One possible approach to achieve this is by applying the vaccine on or close to mucosal surfaces, e.g. by nasal spray or inhalation. However, the licensed mRNA vaccines are fragile and uptake across the mucosal surface is poor. 

The overall aim of MINERVA is transmucosal delivery of mRNA vaccines via the buccal route (in the cheek) to induce high-magnitude mucosal immune responses. This requires the development of novel strategies enabling the transport of the vaccines across the mucosal barrier. For this purpose, we will design and fabricate microinjection systems for controlled and location-specific delivery of macromolecules in the oral cavity.

Your main contribution in this project will be the microfabrication of microinjection systems, exploring different additive manufacturing technologies available in the newly established PolyFabLab cleanroom facility at DTU Nanolab. Furthermore, you will establish methods for evaluation of stability and efficacy of the novel vaccine delivery devices. Your primary tasks will be to:

• plan and execute experimental research
• design, fabricate and optimize microsystems for vaccine delivery in an iterative process using additive manufacturing technology
• integrate microfluidics and activation mechanisms enabling control of injected liquid volumes
• evaluate mechanical stability and efficiency of microinjection systems in vitro and ex vivo
• assist in preparation and execution of in vivo testing of vaccine delivery at SSI
• collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team in a focused scientific effort
• contribute as teaching assistant at DTU Nanolab and supervise BSc and MSc student projects

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 in micro- or nanoengineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering or similar. Experience with 3D design and additive manufacturing is highly beneficial. You are expected to have a keen interest in biomedical applications and the ability to interact with researchers in a very interdisciplinary environment. A high-grade average and excellent English language skills are decisive to be considered for the scholarship.

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 . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Prof. Stephan Sylvest Keller (DTU Nanolab), Assoc. Prof. Line Hagner Nielsen (DTU Health Tech) and Assoc. Prof. Ada-Ioana Bunea (DTU Nanolab).

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 preferred starting date is 1 May 2025. The period of employment is 3 years.

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 Prof. Stephan Sylvest Keller, [email protected] . You can read more about DTU Nanolab and the Biomaterial Microsystems group at www.nanolab.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 17 March 2025 (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

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, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Nanolab is a common infrastructure and research facility located at and fully owned by the Technical University of Denmark, DTU. The core facilities consist of a large cleanroom and a state-of-the-art electron microscopy center inaugurated in 2007. The research activities carried out at DTU Nanolab span from nano- and microfabrication with Silicon-based materials, carbon and polymers to the highly sophisticated analysis of nanoscale materials in hard and soft matter. Since 2018, DTU Nanolab is extended to provide expertise in soft matter from small molecule complexes to biological cells.

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.