DTU Nanotech is a department at DTU, dedicated to conduct research, education and innovation within micro- and nanotechnology at the highest international level. This PhD project will be associated with the Danish Strategic Research Center PolyNano , and conducted in the Optofluidics group at DTU Nanotech.

Optofluidics is a research and technology area that combines the advantages of optics together with fluids. On one hand, the high sensitivity of photonic devices enables the development of effective analyte sensors with applications ranging from biosensing to environmental monitoring. On the other hand, the exploitation of fluid properties with optical devices offers a plethora of possibilities ranging from adaptive optics to the precise study of single biomolecules. Accordingly, our research has focus on nano-optics and nanofluidics with a drive towards their integration.

Responsibilities and tasks
The objective of this PhD project is to develop and explore photonic crystal laser sensors fabricated by post-processing of injection molded plastic components. The project will lead to the development of innovative technology for ultra-sensitive yet low-cost sensors.

One of the main motivations for investigating polymer based micro- and nanotechnology based devices is their low material cost and inexpensive parallel fabrication. Nanostructured dye lasers are very sensitive biological/chemical sensors and tunable laser light sources in the visible wavelength regime. Recently, we have reported optimization of nanoimprinted DFB dye laser sensors featuring ultra-low refractive index detection limits. Their fabrication is based on UV nanoimprint and this already offers inexpensive fabrication on smaller scale. However, other processes need to be used if the cost per chip shall be reduced significantly. This project will address the two fabrication technologies injection molding and ink-jet printing. The project will also involve applying the physics of photonic crystals slab waveguides for further improving the performance of photonic crystal dye lasers sensors in relation to the novel fabrication schemes in this project.

The candidate will perform

• photonic design and modelling,
• planning, execution, and analysis of novel fabrication schemes for photonic crystal sensor, and optical characterization.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, microsystem engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree. Candidates with experience in photonics, micro- or nano-optics, photonic crystals, laser physics, micro- and nanotechnology, cleanroom fabrication, and/or relevant process technology, e.g. injection molding, nanoimprint, and ink-jet printing, are encouraged to apply. Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required.

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 applications will be assessed by Professor Anders Kristensen.

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
Further information may be obtained from Professor Anders Kristensen, tel.: +45 4525 6331, anders.kristensen@nanotech.dtu.dk  and Researcher Dr. Christoph Vannahme, tel.: +45 4525 6330, christoph.vannahme@nanotech.dtu.dk .

You can read more about the Optofluidics group at DTU Nanotech on www.nanotech.dtu.dk/ak .

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 20 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)
• 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 center of excellence in micro- and nanotechnology exploiting sciences across the traditional boundaries of technology, thereby enabling innovative solutions for the benefit of society. DTU Nanotech has approx. 200 people on its staff. With 40 % non-Danes, 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 9,000 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.