PhD position in Design and Modeling of Ultra-sensitive Bio-Magnetometers

Do you want to contribute to a future where we can measure the tiny magnetic fields created by individual neurons in the brain?

At DTU Energy our research efforts are aiming to provide a better comprehension of the human brain through non-invasive measurements of neuronal currents. Today, to measure the small magnetic fields generated by the currents of neurons  fields involve the use of bulky equipment that must be operated at cryogenic temperatures which greatly increases the cost and complexity of such endeavors. Research efforts into alternative methods to detect minute fields are therefore a top priority for the field of physics and neurobiology.

Responsibilities and qualifications
To aid us in these efforts, we are searching for a PhD student who can provide numerical analysis in order to help design highly sensitive magnetic field sensors for biological applications. As a part of a large Novo Nordisk Foundation sponsored project called BIO-MAG, we aim to create magnetic sensors with sub-picotesla sensitivity and use these sensors to map neuronal activity at room temperature. As part of this large project, we are looking for a PhD-student to help us design such sensors using numerical modeling of the physics of these sensors, to subsequently allow fellow PhD-students and postdocs to realize the designed sensors. Using finite element modelling techniques we will study the interplay between material properties and the design of the sensor, which your fellow PhD colleagues will then fabricate and test in the lab.

To produce a sensor that can measure tiny magnetic fields, you will model how the magnetic field changes the current flow in a sensor depending on the material properties and the geometric design of the sensor. The questions we are trying to answer are the following:

• Which materials should we use to design the sensor?
• What is the ideal design of the sensor for detecting sub-picotesla magnetic fields?
• Can we control the trajectory of the current in magnetic fields?
• Can we form automated or machine learning-based routines to answer the above questions?

You will work in close collaboration with PhD-students at DTU Physics and the University of Copenhagen, which will realize your designs in the laboratory, provide experimental inputs to your models, and ultimately use the sensors to detect the activity in live neurons in real-time. You will also have the opportunity to carry out measurements of magnetic properties yourself, if you so desire.

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.

Qualified applicants must have:

• A strong drive to move the frontiers of science.
• Masters degree in physics, astronomy, mathematics, engineering, chemistry or similar.
• Experience with electromagnetism as gained e.g. from a standard physics curriculum course.
• Experience with numerical modelling techniques (ideally finite element modelling) and programming (e.g. Matlab or Python)
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamic group.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

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

The expected starting date is in the beginning of 2022. We are flexible with the exact starting time.

Further information
Please contact Professor Rasmus Bjørk, +45 46 77 58 95, [email protected] orAssistant Professor Dennis Valbjørn Christensen, +45 20 96 19 46, [email protected]

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 March 2022 (Danish time).

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 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 Energy
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, electromechanical converters, sustainable synthetic fuels, and batteries. The Department, which has more than 200 employees, was founded in 2012. Additional information about the department can be found at www.energy.dtu.dk .

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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 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.