PhD scholarship in 3D Carbon Micro- and Nanoelectrodes Enabling Biomarker Detection by Redox Amplification and Dielectrophoresis - DTU Nanolab

Jobbeskrivelse

Are you interested in biomedical technology and how microdevices could improve diagnostics and patient monitoring? Would you like to contribute to the development of novel strategies and devices for electrochemical detection of biomarkers and pathogens by applying micro- and nanoengineering skills?

Here, you can join an international research team to do exactly this! In the CAMINO project, we are looking for a talented PhD candidate that can establish novel processes for fabrication of 3D pyrolytic carbon nano- and microelectrodes and integrate them into sensor platforms for electrochemical detection. The aim is to achieve nanogap electrodes suitable for redox amplification and 3D microelectrodes for bacteria sorting by dielectrophoresis. In this project you will work in close collaboration with researchers at Tecnológico (TEC) de Monterrey, Mexico.

You will be based at DTU Nanolab, where we conduct cross-disciplinary research and apply micro- and nanotechnology to a wide range of scientific disciplines and applications. The Biomaterial Microsystems group is a highly ambitious group, pursuing research on microfabrication of polymer and carbon structures and devices for biomedical applications, bioelectrochemistry and sustainable energy. The position includes research stays at TEC with focus on sensor design and application.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Biomedical technology for health monitoring and point-of-care testing for quality-of-life improvement as well as disease monitoring and prevention has seen widespread adoption by our societies. The key challenge remains to detect relevant analytes at very low concentrations in highly complex and interfering media such as blood, urine or saliva. In CAMINO, we will design, fabricate and evaluate electroanalytical sensor platforms for biomarker detection exploring redox amplification and dielectrophoresis. Our hypothesis is that specifically designed and optimized 3D carbon micro- and nanoelectrodes fabricated at DTU Nanolab will enable lowering limit of detection (LOD) for electrochemical sensing in biorelevant fluids at TEC. This will allow electroanalytical point-of-care methods to replace laboratory assays where currently expensive optical methods or PCR are employed.

Your main contribution in this project will be the design and microfabrication of the 3D carbon electrodes, exploring processes such as thin film deposition, photolithography, plasma etching and pyrolysis in the cleanroom facilities at DTU Nanolab. Furthermore, you will characterize the carbon materials and evaluate the electrochemical properties of the 3D electrodes. In collaboration with two PhD students at TEC you will evaluate the novel sensor platforms for biomarker detection and dielectrophoresis.

• plan and execute experimental research
• design, fabricate and optimize 3D carbon micro- and nanoelectrodes for dielectrophoresis and redox amplification
• evaluate material properties and electrochemical performance of the 3D electrodes
• integrate the 3D electrodes in electrochemical sensor platforms for detection of biomarkers and pathogens
• assist in preparation and testing of the platforms at the partner institution
• collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team in a focused scientific effort
• contribute as teaching assistant at DTU Nanolab and supervise BSc and MSc student projects

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 micro- or nanoengineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering or similar. Experience with cleanroom microfabrication processes is highly beneficial. You are expected to have a keen interest in biomedical microsystems and the ability to interact with researchers in a very interdisciplinary environment. Excellent English language skills are decisive to be considered for the scholarship.

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.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Prof. Stephan Sylvest Keller (DTU Nanolab), postdoctoral researcher Nicolai Støvring (DTU Nanolab), Assoc. Prof. Victor Hugo Pérez-González (TEC) and Research Prof. Masoud Madadelahi (TEC).

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. Preferred starting date is 1 June 2026. The position is a full-time position.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Stephan Sylvest Keller, suke@dtu.dk. You can read more about DTU Nanolab and the Biomaterial Microsystems group at www.nanolab.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. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 12 April 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out 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 (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. 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.