The Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology (DTU Nanotech) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for one PhD and one postdoctoral fellowship position to develop and integrate a low-cost plastic chip for detection of antibiotic resistance in tuberculosis.
The PhD and postdoctoral positions will be filled with the best combination of PhD/postdoctoral candidates. Candidates for both positions should demonstrate excellent communication and language skills, a strong drive to obtain results and the ability to work in a highly cross-disciplinary environment. Candidates for the postdoctoral position are further expected to have a proven track of publishing and the ability to generate, plan and execute new ideas. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in international collaborations and in supervision of students.
Background
Tuberculosis is a major public health problem and is a significant obstacle to economic growth and social stability in the world causing 1.5 million deaths annually. While the cost of first-line drugs treatment has decreased dramatically, the cost of laboratory monitoring still represents a barrier for effective tuberculosis diagnostics. We aim at joining key competences on capillary driven microfluidics, molecular diagnostics and magnetic nanotechnology-based biosensing to design and shape a novel technology for next generation point-of-care diagnostics.
The overall project goals are to simplify, implement and automate an existing laboratory isothermal molecular amplification strategy based on so-called padlock probe recognition and rolling circle amplification on a low-cost injection moulded plastic chip platform where the readout of the amplification products is performed using a new optomagnetic technique, which is being commercialized in the start-up company BluSense Diagnostics.
The project will take place in collaboration with experts in the molecular amplification approach at Stockholm University and BluSense Diagnostics. External stays at Stockholm University for periods of a few months are expected for both positions during the project.
Responsibilities and tasks
The topic of Position 1 is to cover physical aspects of the chip, setup and the readout and to work in close collaboration with others on the assay implementation. In more detail, the work includes (1) the design, fabrication and testing of injection moulded plastic chips with capillary liquid handling, (2) the construction and testing of a setup with temperature control, magnetic bead-based sample handling and optomagnetic readout, (3) automation of setup and data analysis. The work will further include close collaboration with others on optimization of the optomagnetic readout technique to further reduce the limit of detection.
The topic of Position 2 is to cover the biochemical and assay related aspects of the device development. These involve (1) optimization of the optomagnetic readout technique, (2) simplification of existing assay procedures to facilitate transfer to chip system, (3) implementation of assay on chip platform, (4) benchmarking of assay for synthetic samples and study on DNA isolates from clinical samples.
Qualifications
The successful applicant for Position 1 will have a strong background in experimental physics combined with insight into the theoretical aspects of the position (microfluidics, electromagnetism) and a flair for setup construction. The ideal candidate has experience in microfluidics and injection moulding as well as the construction, application and automation of lab-on-a-chip systems. The candidate should have a strong interest to work together with biochemists and to be part of a multidisciplinary, self-driven team. The candidate will have a high motivation for research, evidence of solid written and oral communication skills. At the time of appointment, the candidate should have a background (MSc/PhD degree) in engineering, physics or related disciplines.
The successful applicant for Position 2 should have a background (MSc/PhD degree or equivalent) in Molecular Biology or a related discipline, with a strong background in molecular amplification techniques. Experience with the above mentioned molecular amplification techniques as well as experience with lab-on-a-chip systems will be considered an advantage. The candidate will be responsible for establishing the assay at DTU. The candidate should demonstrate evidence of self-driven and independent prior research productivity, excellent collaboration and communication skills, an interest in working in an interdisciplinary research environment, and a strong work ethic and motivation to succeed within a competitive research field.
Approval and Enrolment of PhD Students
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by an assessment committee chaired by Assoc. Prof. Mikkel F. Hansen.
We offer
The candidates will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers (supported by this and other grants) and company collaborators who have the overall aim to improve the future diagnostics of tuberculosis and other diseases by introducing low-cost solutions suited for use at the point of care. The team consists of physicists, biochemists and engineers.
The Technical University of Denmark is ranked as one of the foremost technical universities in Europe, located just north of Copenhagen, the capital of DK. The Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology offers state-of-the art laboratory facilities for all parts of the project.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms of the PhD position are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
The appointment of the postdoctoral position will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
The positions are available as of September 1, 2015. The positions are supported by a research grant from The Danish Council for Independent Research | Technology and Production Sciences (FTP). The positions will be based at the DTU Lyngby Campus, Denmark.
Further information
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Mikkel F. Hansen, mikkel.hansen@nanotech.dtu.dk.
Please do not send applications to this email address, but apply online using the electronic submission system.
Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 5 August 2015. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. In the field “Please indicate which position you would like to apply for” please indicate which project you are applying for (position 1 or position 2).
The application must include the following:
- A cover letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages). It is essential that you clearly state in the title/header: (1) whether you apply for position 1 or 2 and (2) whether you apply for a PhD or postdoctoral position. Applications not fulfilling this will be administratively rejected.
- A curriculum vitae including relevant information on previous employment, research training, experience and competencies, teaching experience, scientific publications, conference presentations, and personal contact information
- For PhD candidates: Authorized copies of BSc and MSc degree diplomas, including transcript of grades. Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here). Copies of master thesis or coauthored scientific publications.
- For postdoctoral candidates: Authorized copy of BSc, MSc, and PhD diplomas. Copies of at least 2 relevant authored/coauthored Scientific Publications
- Documentation of English language competency.
The selection will be based on a two-step application process. In a first step, all applications will be reviewed to generate a short list of candidates. Potential candidates will be invited for a personal on-site interview. The position starting date is subject to mutual agreement.
Candidates for the PhD position may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Nanotech - the Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology - is situated in the northern part of Copenhagen. DTU Nanotech is a centre of excellence in micro- and nanotechnology utilising sciences across the traditional boundaries of technology, thereby enabling innovative solutions for the benefit of society. DTU Nanotech has approx. 220 staff members. With 40 % international employees, the department constitutes an international environment.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
more information and online application here
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