PhD Scholarship in Microengineering - 3D Carbon Electrode Platforms at DTU
Are you concerned about the environment and the impact of food production on climate change? Would you like to make an impact and contribute to the development of novel technologies for sustainable production of food by applying your microengineering and material science skills?
Here, we can offer you a unique opportunity to do exactly that in a dynamic research environment. In the SOLARSPOON project, we are looking for a talented PhD candidate for the microfabrication of novel electrochemical platforms for energy harvesting and electrosynthesis using bacteria. In this project, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC), you will work in close collaboration with researchers at DTU, Cambridge University, Technical University Munich, Imperial College London and the company SolarFoods.
You will be based at DTU Nanolab, where we conduct cross-disciplinary research and apply micro- and nanotechnology to a wide range of scientific disciplines and applications. The Biomaterial Microsystems group is a highly ambitious group, pursuing research on microfabrication of 3D polymer and carbon structures and devices and their application in biomedical applications, bioelectrochemistry and sustainable energy.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Biohybrid systems offer unique energy-efficient routes to harness solar energy for the fixation of CO2 and nitrogen into valuable, complex molecules. The SOLARSPOON project will integrate living photosynthetic bacteria and food-producing bacteria into stand-alone photoelectrochemical devices tailored for the direct production of proteins and lipids from sunlight, air and water.
Electrodes are a central component of the novel bioelectrochemical platforms for energy harvesting and microbial electrosynthesis. Optimal design of the 3D geometry and material properties of the electrodes will enhance interaction with bacteria and facilitate electron transfer. Here, we will focus on design and fabrication of 3D carbon electrodes, which can provide excellent biocompatibility and a high surface area for bioelectrochemistry.
Your main contribution in this project will be the design and microfabrication of the 3D carbon electrodes, exploring processes such as photolithography, plasma etching and additive manufacturing in the cleanroom facilities at DTU Nanolab. Furthermore, you will characterize the carbon materials and evaluate the electrochemical properties of the 3D electrodes. Your primary tasks will be to:
- plan and execute experimental research
- design, fabricate and optimize 3D carbon microelectrodes for microbial electrochemical systems in an iterative manner using microtechnology
- evaluate material properties and electrochemical performance of the 3D electrodes
- integrate the 3D electrodes in electrochemical platforms for microbial solar cells and microbial electrosynthesis
- assist in preparation and testing of the platforms at the partner institutions
- collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team in a focused scientific effort
- contribute as teaching assistant at DTU Nanolab and supervise BSc and MSc student projects
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 in micro- or nanoengineering, material science, mechanical engineering or similar. Experience with cleanroom fabrication processes or additive manufacturing is highly beneficial. You are expected to have a keen interest in environmental applications of microsystems and the ability to interact with researchers in a very interdisciplinary environment. A high grade average and excellent English language skills are decisive to be considered for the scholarship.
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 Prof. Stephan Sylvest Keller (DTU Nanolab), Prof. Jenny Emnéus (DTU Bioengineering) and Assoc. Prof. Jenny Zhang (Cambridge University).
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 preferred starting date is 1 Nov 2025. The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Stephan Sylvest Keller, alangloverrhondamorgansuke@dtu.dkhunt-hernandez.dksullivan.dkalexander.dk . You can read more about DTU Nanolab and the Biomaterial Microsystems group at https://www.nanolab.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 . 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 than15 August 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 Nanolab** is a common infrastructure and research facility located at and fully owned by the Technical University of Denmark, DTU. The core facilities consist of a large cleanroom and a state-of-the-art electron microscopy center inaugurated in 2007. The research activities carried out at DTU Nanolab span from nano- and microfabrication with Silicon-based materials, carbon and polymers to the highly sophisticated analysis of nanoscale materials in hard and soft matter. Since 2018, DTU Nanolab is extended to provide expertise in soft matter from small molecule complexes to biological cells.*
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.