PhD Position:Degradation and Mechanical Characterization of Polymers for Drug Delivery, Denmark

This project is part of coordinated efforts at DTU and KU Pharma to develop new devices for oral drug delivery. The goal of this collaboration is the top-down microfabrication of  micro-containers for unidirectional and controlled release of drugs.

At present, a PhD student at DTU Nanotech is evaluating various methods for the fabrication of micro-containers for oral drug delivery. In parallel, the collaborators at KU Pharma are developing test drugs and models for measurement of the actual drug release from these devices. The main goal of this project is development of innovative tools and methods for evaluating the degradation rate and mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers used in the realization of the micro-containers. Thin coatings of biodegradable polymers will be deposited using spray-coating techniques. The degradation and mechanical properties of such thin coatings is poorly understood and will be studied using micromechanical sensors such as cantilevers.

We encourage outstanding candidates to apply for this position. The project is mostly experimental and requires innovative thinking to address the challenges. Excellent communications skills are essential for a successful collaboration with the different partners involved in the project.

The project is part of the Centre of Excellence ‘NAMEC’ - NAnoMEChanical sensors and actuators, fundamentals and new directions’ funded by the Villum Kann Rasmussen Foundation. The focus of the Centre is to develop a platform for new mechanical sensors and vehicles for oral drug delivery.

Qualifications
The applicant should have a degree in engineering, physics or chemistry preferably with experience in polymer microfabrication. A high grade average is decisive to be considered for the scholarship.

Approval and Enrolment
The PhD scholarship is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrol­led in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appoint­­ment terms
The salary and appoint­­ment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD students at DTU. The position is available as soon as possible for a period of 3 years.

Additional information
Additional information may be obtained from Professor, Kristoffer Almdal, phone: (+45) 4525 8144, e-mail: kristoffer.almdal@nanotech.dtu.dk, Head of Centre, Professor Anja Boisen, phone (+45) 4525 5727, e-mail: anja.boisen@nanotech.dtu.dk or Assistant Professor Stephan Keller (+45) 4525 5846, e-mail: stephan.keller@nanotech.dtu.dk.

Application
We must have your online application by 28 June 2011 at the latest. Please open the link "apply for this job online", fill in the application form and attach all the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae of the applicant including a list of publications (guidelines)
• A letter motivating the application (guidelines)
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Conversion of grade averages to Danish grades (guidelines and excel spreadsheet for the conversion)

Interviews will preferably be held in the period from the 6 to 8 July 2011, alternatively first week of August 2011.

Candidates may apply prior to ob­tai­ning their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

DTU needs diver­sity and supports equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, disability, and ethnic background.

Further Scholarship Information and Application