PhD scholarship in Microneedle-Enabled Biosensing - DTU Health Tech at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Kongens Lyngby, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

26 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biosensors, Electrochemical Techniques, Drug Delivery Systems, Smart Hydrogels, Microneedle Technologies, Microfabrication, Flexible Electronics, Wireless Control Systems, Analytical Skills, Experimental Independence, Scientific Communication, L-DOPA Sensing, Transdermal Delivery

Industry

Research Services

Description

This PhD position requires a strong background in biomedical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related field. The candidate should have experience with biosensors, electrochemical techniques, or drug delivery systems, and an interest in smart hydrogels and microneedle technologies. Familiarity with microfabrication, flexible electronics, or wireless control systems is an advantage. Strong analytical skills, experimental independence, and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams are essential, along with good scientific communication skills. The position offers hands-on training in advanced biosensing, smart materials, and transdermal delivery technologies, leading to high-impact publications and potential patents. The project provides excellent preparation for academic, industrial, or translational careers while contributing to personalized and clinically relevant therapeutic solutions. Responsibilities and qualifications The main purpose of this PhD position is to develop a closed-loop transdermal drug delivery platform for Parkinson’s disease. The project focuses on integrating real-time L-DOPA sensing with light-controlled release using microneedles and smart hydrogels. The goal is to enable precise, personalized therapy through continuous monitoring and adaptive drug delivery. The position contributes to innovative, clinically relevant biomedical technology with translational potential. Key tasks and responsibilities Design and fabricate microneedle-based transdermal delivery systems Develop and characterize electrochemical sensors for L-DOPA detection Engineer and test light-responsive hydrogels for controlled drug release Integrate sensing, delivery, and wireless control into a closed-loop system Perform in vitro and ex vivo experimental validation Analyze data and optimize system performance Disseminate results through publications, presentations, and reports Furthermore, 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 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 position is full-time, with a starting date of 1. September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. You can read more about career paths at DTU here. Further information Further information may be obtained from Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz (aldo@dtu.dk) or Jakob Bardram (jakba@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 15 May 2026 (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 the grading scale Links to any online resources, like source code, hardware design, videos, etc. A 2-minute video of yourself explaining why you are a fit for the position You may apply before obtaining your master's degree, but you cannot begin before receiving 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 conducts research in critical technologies, which are subject to special security and export control rules, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position. DTU Health Tech DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation based on technical and natural science for the healthcare sector. The healthcare sector is a globally expanding market with demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech creates the foundation for companies to develop new and innovative services and products, which benefit people and create value for society. DTU Health Tech's expertise spans from imaging and biosensor techniques across digital health and biological modelling to biopharma technologies. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 130 PhD students, and a technical/administrative support staff of about 160 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

Responsibilities

The main purpose is to develop a closed-loop transdermal drug delivery platform for Parkinson’s disease, focusing on integrating real-time L-DOPA sensing with light-controlled release using microneedles and smart hydrogels. Key tasks include designing and fabricating microneedle systems, developing electrochemical sensors, engineering light-responsive hydrogels, and integrating these components for adaptive drug delivery.