PhD scholarship in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) – DTU Health Tech

In connection with our activities in therapeutic drug monitoring using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), we are looking for a PhD student to work with SERS on complex biological samples, with the aim to develop novel ways of sample pre-treatment.
In connection with our activities in therapeutic drug monitoring using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), we are looking for a PhD student to work with SERS on complex biological samples, with the aim to develop novel ways of sample pre-treatment. In collaboration with the Copenhagen University Hospital, we will target the detection of a variety of small molecules like drugs. 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 50 members that focuses on the development of micro and nanotechnology-based sensors, detection systems, drug-delivery devices, and energy materials.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be responsible for handling biological samples, implementation of automated solid phase extraction (SPE) on blood samples, fabrication of centrifugal microfluidic devices, conduct Raman and SERS measurement, perform data analysis, and implement validation of results with reference analytical methods, e.g., HPLC or LC/MS. You are expected to have a solid background in analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, medical devices, sensors, bioanalysis, and if possible large data analysis. 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.

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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Anja Boisen, aboi@dtu.dk.

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 22 April 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 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.

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