Postdoc in Human Neural Circuit Engineering - DTU Bioengineering

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Bioengineering is offering a Postdoctoral position in the Bioanalytics group focusing on neural engineering and functional evaluation for brain repair. The role involves organoid/connectoid models, neural reprogramming, and real-time neurotransmitter imaging under the ERC Synergy Grant CUSTOM‑MADE.

You will develop neuronal cell products with defined properties and collaborate across consortium partners, supervising students and publishing results in top journals.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or related field with substantial postdoctoral research experience (4+ years) and publication record.
• Experience in collaborative research environments and willingness to visit consortium labs.
• Experience with brain organoid or organoid/connectoid models is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Establish and develop human brain organoid and connectoid platforms for neuronal integration, axonal projection and long-range circuit formation.
• Generate and characterize defined neuronal and glial populations using differentiation, reprogramming and genetic engineering.
• Design and construct molecular tools and viral vectors for neuronal programming, tracing, and live-cell imaging.
• Develop strategies for live axonal tracking and projection mapping with fluorescent reporters.
• Implement genetically encoded neurotransmitter biosensors for real-time detection of activity and signaling.
• Coordinate experimental activities within the DTU work packages of CUSTOM‑MADE and contribute to collaborations across the consortium.
• Publish results in high-impact journals and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Neural engineering

Organoid models

Connectoid models

Neural reprogramming

Molecular cloning

Axonal tracing

Live-cell imaging

Neurotransmitter biosensors

Genetically encoded reporters

Data analysis

Collaborative research

Supervision

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Lentiviral vectors

AAV vectors

Single-cell RNA-seq analysis

Job description

Job Description

If you are passionate about neural engineering and functionally evaluation for brain repair, involving human organoid/connectoid models, neural reprogramming, molecular cloning, axonal tracing and real‑time neurotransmitter imaging, this is a position for you at DTU Bioengineering in the Bioanalytics group of Jenny Emnéus.

Job Description

If you are passionate about neural engineering and functionally evaluation for brain repair, involving human organoid/connectoid models, neural reprogramming, molecular cloning, axonal tracing and real‑time neurotransmitter imaging, this is a position for you at DTU Bioengineering in the Bioanalytics group of Jenny Emnéus.

About The Position

Brain disorders (BDs) have become one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with an estimated one‑third to one‑half of all Europeans experiencing a BD at some point in their lifetime. Despite the large number of affected patient groups—ranging from neurodevelopmental (NDevD) to psychiatric disorders—there are currently no cures or disease‑modifying treatments available. As a result, BDs represent a major societal challenge and impose a substantial economic burden on Europe and the global community. This Postdoctoral position is part of the ERC Synergy Grant ‘CUSTOM‑MADE NEURONS FOR CELL THERAPY IN PARKINSON’S AND HUNTINGTON DISEASE’, which aims at developing neurons for cell therapy in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease with the ambitious goal to move beyond the current “one‑cell‑fits‑all” approach to cell replacement therapy. The project seeks to develop neuronal cell products with defined molecular and functional properties that can be adapted to different disease and patient needs.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

You must be a well organized, structured, self‑driven, scientifically independent researcher, and enjoy interacting and collaborating with colleagues, including PhD students and other postdocs, in the group. You are also expected to take part in the supervision of BSc and MSc students.

• Establish and further develop human brain organoid and connectoid platforms for studying neuronal integration, axonal projection and long‑range neural circuit formation.
• Generate and characterize defined neuronal and glial populations using stem cell differentiation, direct cell‑fate reprogramming and genetic engineering approaches.
• Design and construct molecular tools and viral vectors for neuronal programming, tracing, functional manipulation and live‑cell imaging.
• Develop strategies for live axonal tracking and projection mapping, including fluorescent and photoconvertible reporters.
• Implement genetically encoded neurotransmitter biosensors for real‑time detection of neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release, including dopamine, glutamate and GABA signalling.
• Take scientific responsibility for planning, troubleshooting, data analysis and coordination of experimental activities within the DTU work packages of CUSTOM‑MADE and contribute actively to collaborations across the CUSTOM‑MADE consortium.
• Publish results in high‑impact journals and present findings at scientific conferences.

You must have a PhD in neuroscience, stem cell biology, neuroengineering or a closely related field, having substantial research experience following your PhD, preferably four years or more, and a publication record demonstrating your ability to independently develop, perform and communicate experimental research. Furthermore, you should have experience in collaborative research environments and willingness to go to consortium members´ lab for research visits.

Relevant experience may include several of the following areas:

• Human pluripotent stem cell‑derived neural cultures and brain organoids models.
• Direct neuronal reprogramming or transcription factor‑mediated control of cell identity.
• Dopaminergic neuron biology relevant to Parkinson’s disease.
• Molecular cloning and design of plasmid, lentiviral or AAV‑based expression systems.
• Genetically encoded fluorescent tools, including neurotransmitter biosensors.
• Axonal tracing and circuit‑mapping strategies, including photoconversion.
• Bulk, single‑cell or single‑nucleus transcriptomics and computational analysis of sequencing data.
• Supervision and mentoring of MSc students, PhD students or other junior researchers.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures . The period of employment is 2 years and 3 months. Starting date: November 1 st , 2026

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. The Bioanalytics group at DTU Bioengineering has vast expertise in bioelectrochemistry, 3D printing/bioprinting, and cell/organoid‑on‑chip devices with integrated stimulation and sensing capabilities for real time detection of cellular processes.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Jenny Emnéus ( [e-mail] ). You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/. If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open‑source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position. The assessment and selection procedure will be open, transparent, merit‑based, and carried out in accordance with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio‑based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in life science‑and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

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.