PhD in Light-Activated Micromotors for Biomedical Applications - DTU Health Tech

DTU; Kongens Lyngby; Remote; DKK 300,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Health Tech invites applications for a PhD focused on the interface of micro/nanotechnology, biomaterials, and biomedical engineering. You will develop NIR light-activated micromotors for HS tunnel models and fabricate 3D hydrogel systems to study active transport in confined biological environments.

The project combines materials science, microfabrication, and disease modelling, with collaboration across an interdisciplinary team and opportunities to publish internationally.

Qualifications

• Two-year master’s degree or equivalent in nanotechnology, chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, or related field.
• Strong interest in micro- and nanotechnology and hands-on experimental research.
• Experience with particle fabrication, surface modification, microscopy, microfabrication, or biomaterials is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop NIR-responsive micromotors and investigate their active transport in HS tunnel models.
• Design and fabricate biodegradable Janus micromotors and 3D hydrogel-based models of HS tunnels.
• Quantify micromotor penetration, transport velocity, and navigation in confined channels.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and conferences.

Skills

micro/nanotechnology

biomaterials

experimental research

microscopy

microfabrication

Education

Master's degree (2-year) in nanotechnology or related

Tools

microscopy equipment

hydrogel fabrication

Job description

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD at the interface of micro/nanotechnology, biomaterials, and biomedical engineering and want to work on a highly interdisciplinary and clinically relevant challenge, this position offers a unique opportunity.

At DTU Health Tech, within the interdisciplinary IDUN research section, you will develop near-infrared (NIR) light-activated micromotors for biomedical applications, with a focus on Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). You will work at the interface of micro/nanotechnology, functional materials, biomaterials, and disease modelling, investigating how active micromotor propulsion can overcome transport barriers in complex and confined biological environments.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The main purpose of this PhD project is to develop NIR-responsive micromotors and investigate their active transport within biomimetic models of HS tunnel architecture.

You will design and fabricate biodegradable Janus micromotors and develop three-dimensional hydrogel-based models that reproduce key geometrical features of HS tunnels. You will investigate how micromotor properties and geometric confinement influence active transport and compare propulsion-driven transport with passive particle behaviour.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Design and fabricate NIR-responsive Janus micromotors with controlled size and surface properties
• Characterize micromotor morphology, optical and photothermal properties, stability, and biodegradability
• Evaluate NIR-activated micromotor propulsion in controlled and skin-relevant environments
• Develop 3D hydrogel-based models mimicking the confined architecture of HS tunnels
• Design channel geometries with different dimensions, branches, and bifurcations to investigate micromotor transport under geometric confinement
• Quantify micromotor penetration, transport velocity, and navigation through confined channel systems
• Compare active micromotor transport with passive diffusion and non-propelled particle controls
• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications, international conferences, and collaborative activities

Qualifications

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, in nanotechnology, chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, or a closely related field.

You should have a strong interest in micro- and nanotechnology and hands-on experimental research. Experience with particle fabrication, functional materials, surface modification, microscopy, microfabrication, or biomaterials is highly desirable. Experience with light-responsive or photothermal materials, micromotors, hydrogel fabrication, microfluidic systems, or quantitative particle tracking is considered an advantage.

You are a highly motivated and curious researcher who enjoys experimental work and interdisciplinary problem-solving. You should be interested in combining materials science and micro/nanotechnology with biomedical applications and in understanding how active microscale systems interact with complex and confined biological environments. You should be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.

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.

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Tijana Miseljic, [e-mail], and Professor Anja Boisen, [e-mail].

DTU Health Tech

With a vision to improve health and quality of life through technology, DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation based on technical and natural science. We educate tomorrow’s health tech engineers and create the foundation for new and innovative services and technologies for the globally expanding healthcare sector with its demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech’s expertise can be described through five overall research areas: Diagnostic Imaging, Digital Health, Personalised Therapy, Precision Diagnostics, and Sensory and Neural Technology. Our technologies and solutions are developed with the aim of benefiting people and creating value for society. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 140 PhD Students, and a technical/administrative support staff of about 100 persons of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

DTU - For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.