PhD scholarship in Microneedle-Enabled Biosensing DTU Health Tech

This PhD position requires a strong background in biomedical engineering materials science chemistry or a related field. The candidate should have experience with biosensors electrochemical techniques or drug delivery systems and an interest in smart hydrogels and microneedle technologies. Familiarity with microfabrication flexible electronics or wireless control systems is an advantage. Strong analytical skills experimental independence and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams are essential along with good scientific communication skills.

The position offers hands-on training in advanced biosensing smart materials and transdermal delivery technologies leading to high-impact publications and potential patents. The project provides excellent preparation for academic industrial or translational careers while contributing to personalized and clinically relevant therapeutic solutions.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The main purpose of this PhD position is to develop a closed-loop transdermal drug delivery platform for Parkinsons disease. The project focuses on integrating real-time L-DOPA sensing with light-controlled release using microneedles and smart hydrogels. The goal is to enable precise personalized therapy through continuous monitoring and adaptive drug delivery. The position contributes to innovative clinically relevant biomedical technology with translational potential.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Design and fabricate microneedle-based transdermal delivery systems
• Develop and characterize electrochemical sensors for L-DOPA detection
• Engineer and test light-responsive hydrogels for controlled drug release
• Integrate sensing delivery and wireless control into a closed-loop system
• Perform in vitro and ex vivo experimental validation
• Analyze data and optimize system performance
• Disseminate results through publications presentations and reports

Furthermore you must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters 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 DTUs 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
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 position is full-time with a starting date of 1. September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz () or Jakob Bardram ().

You can read more about DTU Health Tech at .

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminarfor 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 15 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 the grading scale
• Links to any online resources like source code hardware design videos etc.
• A 2-minute video of yourself explaining why you are a fit for the position

You may apply before obtaining your masters degree but you cannot begin before receiving 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 conducts research in critical technologies which are subject to special security and export control rules open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Health Tech
DTU Health Tech engages in research education and innovation based on technical and natural science for the healthcare sector. The healthcare sector is a globally expanding market with demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech creates the foundation for companies to develop new and innovative services and products which benefit people and create value for society. DTU Health Techs expertise spans from imaging and biosensor techniques across digital health and biological modelling to biopharma technologies. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons 130 PhD students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 160 persons of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best