Applications are invited from candidates with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physical sciences or a related discipline for a fully funded 3 year PhD scholarship to investigate ‘novel nanomedicines for targeted drug delivery to the back of the eye’. Diseases that affect the back of the eye – such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration – are predominantly chronic conditions that result in vision loss and are currently very difficult to effectively treat. Nanomedicines hold the potential to revolutionize the treatment of these conditions. This project will take cutting-edge approaches in nanomedicine design and development to produce drug nanocarriers that actively target diseased tissue at the back of the eye. The project will cover a range of material (both synthetic and analytical) and biological (perfused eye models and eye tissues) techniques that are pertinent to nanomedicine based drug delivery. The chosen candidate will work within the groups of Assoc. Prof Andrew Urquhart and Prof Thomas Andresen in the Center for Nanomedicine and Theranostics in DTU Nanotech at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Qualifications
Applicants should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physical sciences or a related discipline, the project will involve synthesis of novel materials and as such a background in chemistry, materials science or pharmacy will be advantageous. As the project will cover a range of interdisciplinary techniques and be situated in an interdisciplinary environment, the candidate will be expected to have a great interest in working experimentally across disciplines. The appointed candidate is expected to have a good academic record, good communication skills, a desire for scientific excellence and be hard working. 

Approval and Enrolment
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 Associate Professor Andrew Urquhart.

We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
Additional information may be obtained from Associate Professor Andrew Urquhart, phone +45 4525 8169, e-mail: anur@nanotech.dtu.dk

You can read more about DTU Nanotech on www.nanotech.dtu.dk

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

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 10 May 2014.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in 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
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here )

Candidates 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 5,000 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.