Postdoc in Human Neural Circuit Engineering - DTU Bioengineering

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Bioengineering's Bioanalytics group seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance neural engineering and brain repair. The project focuses on organoid/connectoid models, reprogramming, plasmid/vector design and real-time neurotransmitter imaging.

The candidate will lead experiments, supervise students, and publish in high‑impact journals while collaborating across the CUSTOM‑MADE consortium to push cell therapy forward for Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, stem cell biology, neuroengineering or closely related field.
• Post-PhD research experience of four years or more.
• Publication record demonstrating independent research.
• Experience in collaborative research environments and willingness to visit consortium labs.

Responsibilities

• Establish and develop human brain organoid/connectoid platforms for neuronal integration and mapping.
• Generate and characterize neuronal/glial populations using stem cell differentiation and reprogramming.
• Design molecular tools and viral vectors for neuronal programming and imaging.
• Develop strategies for live axonal tracking and neurotransmitter sensing in real time.

Skills

Organizational skills

Independent researcher

Supervision of students

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Lentiviral/AAV systems

Genetically encoded biosensors

Live-cell imaging tools

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.

In the project you will:

• 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 1st, 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.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. The 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.

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.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark