PhD scholarship in Smart Drug Delivery using Monodisperse Nanofibrous Microparticles – DTU Health Tech

In connection with our Novo Nordisk foundation challenge grant ‘Energy Materials for the GUT (EMGUT)’ we are looking for a PhD student to work with design, fabrication and development of nanostructured microparticles for advanced oral delivery of drugs or bioactive agents. Oral drug delivery is one of the most promising administration routes, and several studies have indicated advantages of nanostructured microfabricated systems for oral drug delivery, thanks to the maximum benefit from both nano- and micron sized features. There are, however, challenges that restrict the success and further application of such constructs. In general, such challenges include complex fabrication techniques involving organic solvents, local temperature increases, and limited control over size, delivery, and potential co-delivery of pharmaceutics. Recently, we have introduced a novel technique or high-yield fabrication of monodisperse monolayer and multilayer nanofibrous microparticles (MoNami and MuNaMi respectively). In this project, we aim to further explore the potential of these micro particles for smart multi drug delivery thanks to the layered structures providing the potential to load several components including pharmaceuticals and microorganisms, as well as release triggering agents. We might also explore applications in neighboring fields, such as pulmonary delivery. We offer a highly creative, collaborative and ambitious work environment. This project will be part of the IDUN section, led by Prof. Anja Boisen at DTU Department of Health Technology. IDUN is a highly cross-disciplinary research section with over 40 members, that focuses on development of micro and nanotechnology-based sensors, detection systems and drug delivery devices.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be responsible for fabrication of MoNaMis and MuNaMis, where the effect of applied bioactive/triggering agents along with other parameters (e.g. carrier polymer, layer thickness, applied micro cutting tool and final compactness) will be studied on release of the target API(s) under in vitro and in vivo conditions. You are expected to have a solid background in polymer and biomaterials science, micro-nano fabrication techniques (especially electro hydrodynamic processes), as well as drug release mechanisms. It is also an advantage to have experience in characterization techniques and imaging (scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry). You are highly 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 biology, microfabrication, 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 your 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 . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Prof. Anja Boisen and Assoc. Prof. Fatemeh Ajalloueian.

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, and the start date expects to be at earliest 1 February 2025.

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 and Assoc. Prof. Fatemeh Ajalloueian ([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 7 October 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

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.