PhD scholarship: Develop Cutting-Edge Handheld Sensor for Life-Saving Acute Circulatory Failure Diagnosis - DTU Bioengineering

Join DTU Bioengineering as a PhD Student to develop cutting-edge electrochemical sensors for diagnosing acute shock. Lead sensor and device innovation, collaborate with experts, and make a real-world impact.
We are seeking an inquisitive and highly motivated PhD Student with a strong background in the development of electrochemical sensors and devices. You will join our multidisciplinary research team at DTU Bioengineering, focusing on innovative solutions with real-world applications. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Our team values cross-disciplinary collaboration and the pursuit of impactful research that addresses critical societal needs. By joining us, you will be part of a diverse group of researchers committed to high quality science and translating innovative ideas into real-world solutions.

The PhD Project is funded by Innovationsfonden Denmark, this project aims to develop a complete diagnostic solution for measuring succinic acid levels in patients experiencing acute shock. You will be working at the intersection of sensor development and clinical practice, collaborating closely with medical professionals and end-users to ensure the developed solution is both effective and practical. This project has significant potential to impact patient care and outcomes in emergency medical settings.

Responsibilities
As our new PhD student some of your key responsibilities will be:

• Lead Sensor Development: Plan and execute the development of advanced electrochemical sensors. Your role will involve both hands-on experimental work and strategic planning to drive the project forward.
• Assay Design: Develop and optimize an electrochemical assay specifically for the detection of succinic acid in blood plasma, ensuring clinically relevant sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.
• Device Fabrication: Design and develop a handheld diagnostic device capable of performing on-site electrochemical measurements and processing of blood plasma samples. This involves integrating microfluidic components and ensuring robust, user-friendly operation.
• Collaboration and Mentorship: Work closely with BSc and MSc students doing student projects. Provide guidance, share your expertise, and foster a collaborative research environment that encourages learning and innovation.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: 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.
• Research Experience: Demonstrated experience in the development of biosensors and electrochemical sensors, including practical lab experience.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in electrochemical measuring techniques.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including tailoring research to address practical, real-world challenges.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and convey complex technical information to a diverse audience.

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 Professor Winne E. Svendsen, Senior Researcher Maria Dimaki, and Postdoc Christian Vinther Bertelsen.

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. The expected starting date is 1 November 2024, and the position is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Winnie E. Svendsen at [email protected].

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.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 16 July 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.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

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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