Technical specialist in Raman-based therapeutic drug monitoring - DTU Healt at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Copenhagen, Capital, Denmark -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

07 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

08 Apr, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Raman spectroscopy, SERS, Analytical chemistry, Assay development, Microfluidics, Spectral data analysis, HPLC, Experimental design, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Chemical engineering, Method validation, Sample preparation, Instrumentation, Laboratory research

Industry

Research Services

Description

In the IDUN research section at DTU Health Tech we are currently looking for a Research Assistant to support investigation of user and purchaser needs for a new sensing platform aimed at rapid detection of illicit drugs. The position is part of the RAPIDS (Rapid Automated Point-of-need Illicit drug Detection with SERS) project, which focuses on developing technologies for fast and reliable detection of illicit substances in relevant operational settings. Within the RAPIDS project, the overall ambition is to develop and mature a sensing platform based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for rapid and sensitive detection of illicit drugs. The technology is intended to support stakeholders such as law enforcement authorities, forensic laboratories, and customs agencies by enabling faster identification of substances and improved decision making in the field or laboratory. In the IDUN research section we have solid empirical experience in designing, producing, and testing sensing devices based on SERS). These activities were initiated more than 10 years ago when we developed a so-called nanopillar SERS substrate that we now use in a range of applications. We offer a highly creative, collaborative and ambitious work environment. This project will be part of the IDUN research section, led by Prof. Anja Boisen at Department of Health Technology (DTU Health Tech). IDUN is a cross-disciplinary research section with over 50 members, that focuses on development of micro and nanotechnology-based sensors, detection systems, drug delivery and sampling devices, as well as energy materials for the gut. Responsibilities and qualifications As a Research Assistant, you will work in close collaboration with researchers involved in our SERS Team which is funded by various projects supported by EIC and Børnecancerfonden. You will be part of an international, multidisciplinary, and highly ambitious team where activities move at a fast pace and where close interaction between technical development and market strategy is essential. It is important that you are structured, proactive, and comfortable engaging with external stakeholders. Experience with business development, market analysis, and healthcare innovation is highly relevant. Familiarity with SERS, medical devices or in vitro diagnostics is considered an advantage. You will primarily work on the development and validation of SERS based assays for detection of illicit drugs. The work will involve experimental assay development, optimization of measurement protocols, and development of reference methods to support validation of the sensing platform. You will work closely with researchers developing the SERS substrates, microfluidic systems, and readout instrumentation. The position therefore involves close collaboration with colleagues across different technical domains to ensure integration between assay chemistry, sample handling, and device performance. The position offers the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the development of advanced sensing technologies and to contribute to translating laboratory methods into integrated detection systems. Below is a selection of your primary areas of responsibility: * Develop and optimize sample preparation protocols and SERS based assays for detection of selected illicit drugs * Develop and apply advanced spectral data analysis methods for interpretation of SERS signals * Establish and implement reference analytical methods (e.g. HPLC) to support assay validation and benchmarking * Design and perform experimental studies to evaluate assay performance, including sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, and reproducibility * Contribute to optimization of sample handling and preparation strategies for integration with the sensing platform * Collaborate closely with the microfluidics and instrumentation teams to ensure compatibility between assay chemistry, fluid handling, and device operation We seek a highly motivated and ambitious person with a curious and proactive mindset. You most likely have a background in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, or a related field. You have experience with laboratory work and experimental method development, preferably within analytical chemistry or sensing technologies. Experience with Raman spectroscopy, SERS, chromatographic techniques, or other analytical methods is considered an advantage. You are structured and analytical, with strong experimental skills and attention to detail. You enjoy designing and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and systematically improving methods. You are comfortable working both independently and in close collaboration with researchers from different disciplines. The project involves close interaction between assay development, microfabrication, microfluidics, and instrumentation, and we therefore expect that you enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams. At IDUN, our motto is ‘bringing science to life’. We value openness, inclusiveness, ambition, collaboration, and strong desire to make a difference. You will work closely with researchers across disciplines such as biology, microfabrication, pharmaceutical science, and polymer science, ensuring alignment between technology development and market needs. The project is highly interdisciplinary, and we expect that you enjoy teamwork, stakeholder dialogue, and coordinating your work closely with colleagues across technical and clinical domains. As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in engineering or equivalent. 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. At DTU Health Technology you will be part of a department dedicated to advancing health technology for the benefit of society. We place emphasis on a high level of professionalism among our staff, and skills development is therefore an integral part of our organization. The position offers great flexibility, and you will join a workplace characterized by collaboration across disciplines within the technical and natural sciences. Salary and terms of employment The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. Starting date is 1 June 2026 (or according to mutual agreement) and continues until 30 April 2027. The position is a full-time position. 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 Academic Employee Yaman Göksel at yagok@dtu.dk [yagok@dtu.dk], Adjunct Gohar Soufi at gohsoo@dtu.dk [gohsoo@dtu.dk]or, or Professor Anja Boisen at aboi@dtu.dk [aboi@dtu.dk]. You can read more about DTU Health Tech at www.healthtech.dtu.dk [http://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 [https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/moving-to-denmark]. Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 April 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: * Application (cover letter) * CV * Academic Diplomas (MSc) 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 DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation base 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, 140 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. DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will develop and optimize SERS-based assays for illicit drug detection and establish reference analytical methods for validation. They will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate assay chemistry with microfluidic systems and readout instrumentation.