Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD position within the field of Lab-on-a-chip Biophotonics. The project will be carried out at DTU Fotonik, Department of Photonics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and will use facilities at DTU Danchip (National Center for Micro- and Nanofabrication). The project is carried out in a strong international context with potential external research stay in the US, Europe, or Japan.
Project description
The European Commission has identified Photonics, nanotechnology and biotechnology among the Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) that will drive future applications and innovations. This project combines these three KETS into a Lab-on-a-chip Biophotonics platform for a wide range of biotechnology applications, such as single-cell analysis of in vitro models for drug screening and cell development. Lab-on-a-chip systems promise dynamic control over the cell’s chemical microenvironment to reveal important single-cell effects that are otherwise lost in bulk studies. This project will use optically driven functionalized microstructures to overcome the resolution limits of fluidic delivery and create highly localized mechanical, optical and biochemical stimuli in Lab-on-a-chip systems. The optical micromanipulation system will also be equipped with auxiliary optical systems for high-resolution microscopy and microanalysis. Project activities include:
- Numerical simulations and optimization of light-matter interaction for light propagation through complex 3D microstructures having subwavelength features.
- Two-photon fabrication and characterization of optimized and functionalized 3D microstructures.
- Design and fabrication of customized microfluidic cell culture chambers featuring convenient introduction of reagents and various microstructures and high-quality optical surfaces for optical micromanipulation, microscopy and microanalysis.
- · System integration and testing of the Lab-on-a-chip biophotonics system and validation in collaboration with biological end-users.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Candidates with experience in photonics simulations, optical trapping, wavefront engineering, nonlinear optics, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip systems and other related fields of optical instrumentation and system integration are encouraged to apply.
Moreover the candidate shall have additional skills as:
- Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
- Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
- Industrial experience is highly appreciated.
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.
You can read more about Department of Photonics Engineering on www.fotonik.dtu.dk.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Assoc. Prof. Darwin Palima and Prof. Jesper Glückstad.
Salary and appointment terms
Salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
Further information
Assoc. Prof. Darwin Palima, dazp@fotonik.dtu.dk; Tel +45 4525 3205.
Prof. Jesper Glückstad, jekr@fotonik.dtu.dk; Tel +45 4525 3612.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than November 2, 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 MSc 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 is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 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.
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