The Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Section of Manufacturing Engineering, invites applications for a Postdoc position. The initial contract is for 18 months. The approximate starting time is 1 September 2023.

Research field

60 million people worldwide are blind. Restoring vision to blind people remains one of the formidable challenges of neural science and neural technologies. Embarking on this difficult and yet important challenge, we assembled interdisciplinary and intercontinental experts from vision (Harvard Medical School, USA), neuroscience (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), and neural engineering (DTU, Denmark). We will develop the next generation neuroimplant based on micromagnetic stimulation.

Inspired and encouraged by our recent results (paper 1, paper 2), we envision an intriguing potential to restore vision and dramatically improve the lives of blind people. The science and technology obtained from this project can also be extended to treat other brain illnesses, such as depression. They may also be useful for developing next-generation enhancements to existing implants used for Parkinson’s and deafness. Our research is high-risk and high gain.

DTU’s role in the collaboration is fabricating implants for animals (mice and monkeys) consisting of micro-coil (MEMS) arrays. The experimental work will occur at a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility (DTU Nanolab). See also the vitural tour. The Novo Nordisk Foundation generously supports the project, and it is an extension of the Obama BRAIN Initiative.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your responsibilities are task include

MEMS micro-coil array designs collaborate with the Harvard and Copenhagen teams.
Explore manufacturing processes and workflows for implant development.
Cleanroom nanofabrication.
Micro-coil assembly (packaging) for neuroscience measurements in collaboration with the other teams.
Writing project reports and participating in project meetings.
Co- supervising bachelor, master, and PhD students.
Writing and publishing high-quality papers.
Innovation (start-up company) for clinical impact.

Because of the ambitious nature of the project and project teams, we are looking for a stellar engineer or scientist with great ambitions to make a difference by cutting-edge engineering. We seek strong experimental skills, open-mindedness, “I can do”, and a never-give-up mentality. You are extremely well-organized. You are ambitious to bring advanced technologies to the market or take on the challenge of establishing your own research group or developing into a senior scientist role. We are looking for a bright and empathic person with a PhD degree in mechanical/process/mechatronics engineering, neurotechnologies, biomedical engineering, MEMS engineering or similar.

Skills:

The ideal candidate has the below skills and experiences:

MEMS technology and cleanroom experience (DTU Nanolab experience is valued but not required).
Neurotechnology device development.
MEMS magnetic stimulation for cortical activation.
Basic knowledge and a keen interest in neuroscience and neurotechnology

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 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 18 months.You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Dr. Anpan Han (linkedin), anph@mek.dtu.dk.

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 June 2023 (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:

Application (cover letter)
CV
Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
List of publications
3 references including e-mails and contacts.
1-3 signature papers in PDF. Preferably first author papers in specialized journals.

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.

The Section for Manufacturing Engineering performs theoretical, numerical, and experimental research in the field of manufacturing engineering. It covers a wide range of manufacturing processes and modelling approaches, metrology at all scales, micro/nano manufacturing, and additive manufacturing. The research is based on a multidisciplinary use of process technology, materials science, solid and fluid mechanics as well as thermodynamics and heat transfer in the analysis, modelling, and development of manufacturing processes.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

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.

JOB INFO

Job Identification- 1770
Job Category- VIP B
Posting Date- 17/05/2023, 13:57
Apply Before- 16/06/2023, 03:29
Locations- Nils Koppels Allè, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, DK