PhD position: Biomaterials-based Approach for the Creation of…

A 3-year PhD position is available at the Biomimetics, Biocarriers and Bioimplants group (The 3Bs) headed by Assoc. Prof. Leticia Hosta-Rigau, DTU Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.

The 3Bs, which is headed by Assoc. Prof. Leticia Hosta-Rigau at the Department for Health Technology of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), is a highly interdisciplinary and positive group with open-minded and supportive members. The 3Bs research is truly multidisciplinary encompassing materials science, organic/polymer chemistry together with molecular and cell biology. The research focus areas of the group are drug delivery, tissue engineering and cell mimicry.
For more details on our lab and research please visit: www.healthtech.dtu.dk/3bs .

The position is available as soon as possible.

Blood is crucial for our survival and the only way to substitute for blood loss occurring during accidents or surgery is by using blood from donors. However, blood transfusions have some limitations and risks: before blood can be transfused, there is a need for typing and matching due to the different blood groups causing fatal delays in emergency situations. Also, blood has a short storage lifetime, which makes it impossible to create large blood supplies to be used in acute disasters such as earthquakes or plane accidents. Furthermore, blood transfusions can help spreading new viral infections, like it happened with HIV in the 80s. Thus, developing a new oxygen-carrier solution for use when red blood cells are neither an option or available persists as one of the foremost important challenges in biomedicine.

The successful candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary project in the interface of polymer chemistry, materials science together with molecular and cell biology.
The research project will be focused in the fabrication of a new class of microcarriers with potential to serve as Red Blood Cells Substitutes (RBCS).

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate will be responsible to:

• Assemble hemoglobin-loaded polymeric carriers
• Conduct a thorough characterization of the system by means of several techniques (e.g., optical and electron microscopy, flow cytometry, DLS)
• Assess their biocompatibility and potential cell uptake by several relevant cell lines
• Conduct an in vivo characterization in murine models

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.

Ideally the master’s degree should be in bio/nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry or pharmaceutical technology. A master’s project or previous work experience in biomaterials or drug delivery is preferred.

Experience within one or more of the following areas will also be an advantage:

• Microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM).
• Optical microscopy (e.g., confocal microscopy)
• Flow cytometry
• Mammalian cell culture
• Experience with in vivo models (FELASA B or similar)

You must also be highly independent, driven, and be able to speak and write English fluently.

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 Associate Professor Leticia Hosta-Rigau.

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 Associate Professor Leticia Hosta-Rigau, [email protected] .

You can read more about the 3Bs group at Group-Biomimetics-Biocarriers-and-Bioimplants .

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 28 November 2022 (Danish time). Apply online here: PhD position: Biomaterials-based Approach for the Creation of Artificial Red Blood Cells

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, 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
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 Techs 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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.