PhD scholarship is available in Optofluidics for Analysis of Turbid Liquids at DTU Nanotech: DTU Nanotech is a department at DTU, dedicated to conduct research, education and innovation within micro- and nanotechnology at the highest international level. A PhD scholarship in optofluidic technology for analysis of turbid liquids is available to be conducted in the Optofluidics group at DTU Nanotech.
The PhD scholarship is as part of the HemoPOC project, a collaboration between DTU Nanotech and Radiometer Medical Aps, funded by Innovationsfonden Denmark.
Key Responsibilities: The objective of the PhD project is to develop and explore integrated waveguides, grating couplers and photonic crystals combined with microfluidic separation technology for optical analysis of turbid liquids, in particular detection of hemolysis in whole blood.
Details: Hemolysis is the rupture of the erythrocytes (red blood cells) with consequent release of their content to the blood plasma. The detection of hemolysis in a patient will frequently signal the presence of a serious medical condition, e.g. parasitic infections or autoimmune disorder, requiring urgent medical treatment. Hemolysis of a sample also has an interfering effect on vital blood parameters such as K+ and Ca2+ often causing incorrect measurements. Furthermore, the problem is compounded by the fact that, with conventional methods, up to 15% of detected hemolysed samples may be caused by improper handling of the sample before analysis e.g. mechanical stress, prolonged or incorrect storage. Therefore, there is an increasing concern about the reliability of detected hemolysis and its impact on other vital parameters. In centralized labs, hemolysis is detected by centrifugation of the blood sample and optical absorption spectroscopy on the serum. Centrifugation is not easily integrated with point of care systems. This is a serious problem in contexts where fast, reliable diagnosis is critical, e.g. in neonatal units, intensive care units and emergency rooms.
The vision for the PhD project is to develop a solution for the compact, fast, and reliable detection of hemolysis. The candidates will perform design and modelling of integrated photonic sensors and microfluidics, planning, execution and analysis of novel fabrication schemes for the integrated systems, and optical and microfluidic characterization.
Essential Qualifications
Candidates should have an outstanding master’s degree in physics, micro- and nanotechnology, electrical engineering, photonics, microsystem engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree. Candidates with experience in micro- and nanotechnology, micro- or nano-optics, photonic crystals, microfludics and cleanroom fabrication are encouraged to apply. Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required.
Assessment: Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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.
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Anders Kristensen.
Salary and appointment terms – The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
Further information: Further information can be obtained from Professor Anders Kristensen,
Tel.: +45 4525 6331,anders.kristensen@nanotech.dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Nanotech on www.nanotech.dtu.dk.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted as one pdf filecontaining all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online,” fill in 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 (an official translation into English)
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.