PhD scholarship in Biological Fluid Mechanics - DTU Physics

Jobbeskrivelse

If you are fascinated by the physical principles that govern living systems and are eager to pursue a career in academic research, this PhD project offers an opportunity to explore how fluids move through complex biological structures.

At Department of Physics (DTU Physics), we study how geometry, elasticity, and molecular interactions shape transport processes in living organisms. Our work combines theory, biomimetic experiments, and advanced microscopy to uncover the physical mechanisms that regulate flows in biological systems.

In this project, you will study transport in small pores and channels found in nature, with particular emphasis on plasmodesmata—tiny conduits that connect plant cells and enable the exchange of molecules essential for growth and communication. More broadly, the project lies at the interface of biological fluid mechanics and soft matter physics. You will investigate how flow interacts with deformable structures and how elasticity, electrical charge, and fluid motion together regulate transport in slender channels and porous materials. Along the way, the research may also touch on surprising and sometimes playful questions inspired by everyday phenomena, where simple physical ideas reveal unexpected behavior in the systems that surround us.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall focus will be to investigate the physical mechanisms governing molecular transport through plasmodesmata-inspired channels. In this project we combine biomimetic experiments with theoretical modeling, and you will work closely with the principal investigator while collaborating with MSc students contributing to device fabrication and characterization. The project lies at the intersection of fluid mechanics, soft matter physics, and plant biophysics, and aims to establish a new physicochemical model for selective transport in biological nanochannels.

The ideal candidate has:

• a strong background in physics, biophysics, soft matter, microfluidics, or a closely related field
• substantial hands-on laboratory experience with experimental research
• solid analytical skills and experience with quantitative data analysis and physical modeling
• a strong interest in fundamental research at the interface of physics and biology
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English, demonstrated through previous scientific writing

We value candidates who are motivated to engage deeply with scientific questions, who enjoy developing new experimental approaches, and who are eager to contribute to an ambitious and collaborative research environment.

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.

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 Kaare H. Jensen. Particular emphasis will be placed on the candidate’s demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific work, their curiosity and intellectual ambition, and their potential to develop into a leading researcher.

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. The starting date is 15 August 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 May 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.