PhD Position in Brain-on-Chip device development for studying neuronal development DTU Bioengineering

If you are passionate about neural development and would like to leverage human pluripotent stem cell technology nano and microfabrication and 3D printing to develop Brain-on-Chip models to study neurodegenerative diseases and neural development 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 onethird to onehalf of all Europeans experiencing a BD at some point in their lifetime. Despite the large number of affected patient groupsranging from neurodevelopmental (NDevD) to psychiatric disordersthere are currently no cures or diseasemodifying treatments available. As a result BDs represent a major societal challenge and impose a substantial economic burden on Europe and the global community.

This PhD position is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network (MCSA-DN) VISI-ON-BRAIN (Cutting-edge human in vitro and in sIlico biomedical tools on brain disorders)which aims to use state-of-the-art micro/nano fabrication 3D bioprinting and human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology to develop Brain-On-Chip devices for modelling neurodegenerative diseases and neural development to improve our understanding of the underlying causes and potential find a cure.

Responsibilities and qualifications

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

In the project you will:

• Develop scaffolds of different shapes and materials with the aim to create dynamic scaffolds that adapt it shape and size when organoid-like tissue is expanding during development.
• Integrating these scaffolds inside microfluidic brain-on-chip devices and subsequently culture and differentiate cells inside.
• Integrating microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to study neural activity in collaboration with partners from VISI-ON-BRAIN.
• Perform biochemical assays and immunocytochemistry to characterize neural development.
• Publish results in high-impact journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Engage in interdisciplinary training to build expertise across the different research areas and disciplines within VISI-ON-BRAIN.

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 in a relevant field such as bioinformatics biochemistry molecular biology biotechnology or a related discipline.

You must have:

• A masters degree (or equivalent) in Material science Biotechnology Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Expertise in either material science (e.g. additive manufacturing photolithography) bioprinting or organ-on-chip applications with a strong willingness to learn the complementary skill set.
• Experience in collaborative research environments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A proactive attitude towards learning and applying new skills.
• Willingness to go to consortium members lab for research visits

It would further be beneficial if you have some of the following skills:

• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture
• Basic knowledge of biochemical assays
• Basic knowledge of molecular biological techniques
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

About the VISI-ON-BRAIN Doctoral Network
The MSCADN- VISIONBRAINbrings together leading European scientists from both academia and industry to train the next generation of young researchers. The network promotes an inter and transdisciplinary holistic approach to science and its societal impact fostering collaboration creative problemsolving and the development of innovative ideas. Its overarching ambition is to push the boundaries of advanced stem cell technologies and related biomedical tools. Participating in VISI-ON-BRAIN offers the doctoral candidate many unique opportunities including:

• A 36-month project as Marie Skłodowska Curie trainee at DTU Bioengineering.
• State-of-the art exciting research in an international consortium with highly integrated research projects.
• Expert training in basic and applied research along with a thorough understanding of the process involved in transitioning from basic to pre-clinical research.
• Research training periods (secondment) in another consortium members lab lasting from a few weeks up to three months performed in a different EU country than the country where most of the project will take place.

Eligibility
This position is offered under the Marie SkłodowskaCurie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. Applicants must therefore meet all MSCA eligibility requirements:

• Employment duration:The position is limited to 36 months in accordance with MSCA Doctoral Network rules.
• Mobility rule:At the time of recruitment candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activities (work or studies) in Denmark for more than 12 months within the 36 months immediately prior to the date of recruitment.
• EarlyStage Researcher (ESR) requirement:Candidates must be within the first four years of their research career and must not already hold a PhD degree.

You can find more informationhere.

Recruitment process
The recruitment process consists of two interviews: a first online interview and a second interview which may be conducted in person.

The assessment and selection procedure will be open transparent meritbased and carried out in accordance with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Salary and employment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) as well as the MSCA Doctoral Network funding rules. Theliving mobility and family allowances specified in the Horizon Europe Marie Curie project will be incorporated into the total salary.

All allowances included in the salary package are considered as salary by Danish tax authorities and will be taxed as income.

The final salary will be calculated and agreed upon with the relevant union. At DTU the monthly gross salary (before taxes) for a PhD fellow typically starts at approx. DKK 32200 plus pension depending on seniority.

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date November 1^st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Approval and enrolment
The PhD scholarship is conditional upon academic approval. The candidate will be enrolled in one of DTUs general PhD degree programmes.

Information about enrolment requirements and the structure of the PhD programme is available here:

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 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 aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Jenny Emnéus () and Assoc. Prof. Arto Heiskanen ()

You can read more about DTU Bioengineeringat

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation 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 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 cover letter of motivation which explains the interest in the position and emphasizes the candidates strengths regarding the project and its requirements (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Two letters of recommendation from relevant and appropriate referees or the names and contact details of two Referees (as former Supervisors/PIs).

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it. If the degree has not been awarded by the application closing date the candidate should submit a declaration signed by their supervisor or University official stating that the degree will be obtained by the time of PhD enrolment.

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.

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 department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes 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 Europes 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 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 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.