PhD Scholarships in Piezoelectric Biopolymer Technology and Devices for Drug Delivery on Demand – DTU Health Tech

Employer: Technical University of Denmark

If you are establishing your career as a scientist and you have the ambition to develop groundbreaking smart technologies and devices for healthcare, this is the right research project for you.

The aim of the PhD project is to explore and develop new piezoelectric biomaterials and technologies for controlled drug release in smart devices by the application of ultrasound. The focus of the activity will be i) to produce thin films of biomaterials with high piezoelectric properties and loaded with drug molecules, ii) to develop MEMS devices based on piezopolymers, and iii) to develop and optimize a strategy for the remote release of drugs on demand. Within the framework of IDUN, we have extensively explored engineered micro-encapsulated pharmaceutical compounds and more advanced oral drug delivery concepts. In addition, we have expertise on developing piezoelectric materials and device fabrication methods for sensors and actuators for the human body. The PhD candidate will be a part of the IDUN center of excellence, led by Prof. Anja Boisen at DTU Department of Health Technology, and will work under the supervision of Prof. Massimo De Vittorio. IDUN is a highly cross-disciplinary research center with over 40 members, that focuses on development of micro and nanotechnology-based sensors, detection systems and drug delivery devices.

Responsibilities
Your overall focus will be on the design, realization, and test of devices such as smart pills or flexible MEMS transducers based on piezoelectric biopolymers such as chitosan and cellulose, the two most abundant biopolymers on earth. You will work with nearby colleagues and with academic, clinical, and industrial partners in Denmark as well as abroad. 

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop biopolymers thin films embedding drugs with high piezoelectric properties.
• Tailoring the optical, mechanical, piezoelectric and electrical properties of the thin films by advanced and innovative fabrication methods for improving retention and drug delivery on demand. 
• Design and fabricate piezoelectric devices by advanced micro and nanofabrication methods.
• Employ ultrasound in order to trigger and speed up the drug release from the piezoelectric biopolymers. Tests will be executed first in vitro and then, after successful validation, in vivo.
• Teach and supervise BSc and MSc student projects, and be co-supervisor for PhD students

The research activity will be carried out within the framework of the Center of Excellence – IDUN. In IDUN, our motto is ‘bringing science to life’ and we believe in openness, inclusiveness, having ambitions, making a difference and collaboration.

You will play a role mainly in the “Optomechanical Biointerfaces” research group coordinated by prof. Massimo De Vittorio of the IDUN section, and you will interact with several members of IDUN working in different disciplines, such as biology, microfabrication, pharmaceutical science and polymer science. The project is highly interdisciplinary, and we expect that you enjoy teamwork.

Requirements

• You have a background in materials science, chemistry and/or microfabrication technologies.
• You are highly independent, self-motivated and enjoy collaboration in a multidisciplinary academic environment.
• You have the ability to drive the project forward, supervise students and achieve ambitious goals.
• 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. 

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.

Terms of employment
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 expected start date is 1 January 2025 or shortly thereafter.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Massimo De Vittorio, mdevit@dtu.dk