PhD scholarship in Rapid 3D Bio-printing for Autologous Surgical Procedures – DTU Health Tech

Are you interested in developing the next generation of bio-printing that can be directly implemented in surgical procedures?

DTU Health Tech and Rigshospitalet is now offering a PhD scholarship at the intersection between biomaterials, tissue engineering, and autologous surgeries.

Various congenital urogenital malformations can be treated effectively by reconstructive surgeries of autologous tissue, but in severe and complex cases, surgical repair is challenged by the low amount of native tissue. This limits the possibilities for autologous grafting, leading to inadequate and/or repeated interventions. 3D bio-printing has unique potential for creating patient-specific implants, in which autologous tissue is distributed within a 3D construct. However, current procedures and materials cannot be implemented directly in the operation room.

The aim of this PhD project is to lay the foundations for single-stage surgical procedures that combine for 3D bio printing and implantation of tubular constructs containing autologous tissue. The procedures will be tailored towards treatment of congenital urogenital malformations.  

To solve this grand challenge, you will be part of a diverse team of engineers, surgeons, and materials scientists that collaborate to achieve interdisciplinary goals.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for a creative and ambitious aspiring researcher with a M.Sc. within biomedical engineering, bio-materials science or similar.

Your primary responsibilities will be:

• Development, formulation and characterization of tissue-laden print materials for micro-extrusion (DIW) 3D printing
• Material characterization will include rheological and mechanical methods as well as in vitro cell culture tests
• Development of rapid 3D printing procedures for implementation in the surgical room
• Supporting in vivo pilot studies in live animals along trained surgeons

You will plan and conduct most of your research independently, but at the same time, you will be part of a larger, team-driven project, and should find this exciting. You should be scientifically curious and motivated by overcoming challenges as they occur. You should be a capable communicator in English and have solid experience in academic writing.

The PhD project may include an international stay with international collaborators. 

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 . 

Assessment
The assessment will be performed by Professor Magdalena Fossum (Rigshospitalet), Associate Professor Johan Ulrik Lind (DTU Health Tech), Associate Professor Fatemeh Ajalloueian (DTU Health Tech).

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.

Rigshospitalet is Denmark's largest and most specialized hospital which offers patients highly specialized treatments and acts as a flagship in the Danish healthcare system. Within the Laboratory of Tissue engineering we aim at translational research by interdisciplinary collaborations with the goal to improve surgical outcomes and better health.

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 starting date is negotiable, but earliest 1 June 2023 and preferable no later than 1 September 2023.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Additional information may be obtained from Associate Professor Johan Ulrik Lind, joli@dtu.dk , who leads the Tailored Materials and Tissues Group at DTU Health Tech.

You can read more about the Department here

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 6 April 2023 (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 (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Any List with contact information for professional references or letters of recommendation

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 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 175 persons, 130 PhD students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 80 persons.

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.