PhD scholarship in Smart Polymer Microrobots for Cargo Transport (Super-MicroCARTs) – DTU Nanolab

This PhD project at DTU Nanolab is part of an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative research project with the purpose of developing smart material microrobots for cargo transport and localized on-demand delivery. Such microrobots, which we call MicroCARTs, are miniaturized highly mobile tools, which makes them unique technological solutions, potentially allowing the screening of tens of drug delivery systems within the same cell culture. This would enable a better comparison between experiments, as well as a significant reduction in the reagents cost, cell culture preparation times, and waste produced.

You have finished or are close to finishing your Master’s degree in the field of Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Nanotechnology, or Biomedical Engineering. You are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions and turning your ideas into technology for the benefit of people by pushing the boundaries of current knowledge in science and engineering. A PhD at DTU Nanolab is a natural next step. Here, you will break new ground at the absolute forefront of what is possible within the research field of nanofabrication and characterization. You will go through a researcher PhD education while working on a research project, in a full-time job with full time salary. By the end of your PhD, you will have built valuable network and friendships, as well as achieved research results to be proud of. This will constitute the best possible foundation for your future career in industry or academia. The intended starting date of the project is September 1, 2023.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This PhD project is part of an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative research project with the purpose of developing smart material microrobots for cargo transport and localized on-demand delivery. Such microrobots, which we call MicroCARTs, are miniaturized highly mobile tools, which makes them unique technological solutions, potentially allowing the screening of tens of drug delivery systems within the same cell culture. This would enable a better comparison between experiments, as well as a significant reduction in the reagents cost, cell culture preparation times, and waste produced.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop reliable protocols for the 3D printing of microrobots for cargo transport, i.e. MicroCARTs, using two-photon polymerization direct laser writing of smart materials;
• Establish a protocol that exploits intelligent design and actuation for the loading and unloading of MicroCARTs in a controlled manner and with high spatial precision;
• Transport the loaded MicroCARTs to target locations within e.g. a microfluidic chip or in the proximity of a cell population by using optical and / or magnetic trapping.
• Investigate the spatial distribution of cargo released from the MicroCARTs, for example by using fluorescence microscopy to monitor dye-loaded liposomes.
• Teach and supervise BSc and MSc students on topics relevant to your PhD project, and topics requested by the department.

The project will be run in close cooperation with Prof. Hanne Mørck Nielsen, who leads the BioDelivery Center at University of Copenhagen. The project also includes an external stay in Prof. Diederik Wiersma’s group at the European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy in Florence. His group has valuable expertise within the fabrication and actuation of liquid crystal elastomer structures.

Your qualifications and interests should ideally cover:

• 3D design and 3D printing.
• Polymer physics and chemistry.
• Optical and magnetic actuation of microstructures.

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 assessement of candidates will be done by Assist. Prof Ada-Ioana Bunea and Prof. Rafael Taboryski.

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. The starting date is 1 September 2023 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assist. Prof. Ada-Ioana Bunea, e-mail: adabu@dtu.dk .

You can read more about DTU Nanolabat www.nanolab.dtu.dk/english . 

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 March 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 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 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 Nanolab's state of the art facilities, including the theoretical and practical expertise of our dedicated staff of around 80 researchers and technicians, provide a unique opportunity for a successful PhD project. DTU Nanolab runs one of the most advanced university-owned open access nanofabrication cleanrooms, as well as a powerful and complementary suite of transmission and scanning electron microscopes. We conduct research in fabrication technologies and characterization methods, including novel materials and technology-near applications.

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.