PhD position in Implantable Neuroelectronic Devices Research, Development, and Innovation - DTU Construct

The Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Section of Manufacturing Engineering invites applications for a 3-year PhD position.

Research field
Develop implantable bioelectronics devices. This is a collaborative project between the Dept. of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School (HMS), Dept. of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein), USA, and Dept. of Neuroscience at the University of Copenhagen (KU), Denmark. The enabling technology is a newly invented MEMS microcoil chip, which we named Trinity. In Europe, we are leading this research area. In the long term, our microcoil based implant can be used to treat many illnesses associated with the brain and beyond. We also believe our technology can be used for other neurological illnesses that benefit from local electromagnetic stimulation. The Novo Nordisk Foundation generously supports the project. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
To take project ownership and design, fabricate, and test the Trinity implants, which include the below

• Design Trinity implants in collaboration with MGH, Einstein and KU teams.
• Independently, you will use the Cleanroom facilities  at DTU to fabricate the Trinity implants. 
• 3-6 month academic exchange at MGH and Einstein to assist in evaluating the Trinity implants.
• Join us in innovating and commercializing Trinity implant technology with the aid of DTU Skylab .  

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.

Because of the ambitious nature of the project and project teams, we are looking for a top student with great ambitions to make a difference through cutting-edge engineering. We seek strong experimental skills, open-mindedness, “I can do”, and never-give-up mentality. Excellent English communication stills are required for this position. We are seeking a bright and empathic person with a master's degree in mechanical/process/mechatronics engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics, biophysics, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, MEMS engineering or similar. 

Experience at the DTU cleanroom is an advantage but not a requirement. 

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 Associate Professor Dr. Anpan Han and other colleagues at DTU. Medical collaborators will also be involved in the candidate assessment. 

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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

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 1 May 2025 (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.

DTU Mechanical Engineering covers the fundamental engineering disciplines within Solid mechanics, Fluid mechanics, Coastal and Maritime Engineering, Energy systems and energy conversion, Materials and Surface Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering design and Product development. The department has a scientific staff of about 135 persons, 100 PhD students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 80 persons.

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 UN’s 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 13,500 students and 6,000 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 universities around the world.