"Postdoc in Fabrication of Carbon Nanogap Electrodes for Electrochemical Biomolecule Sensing - DTU Nanolab"

Postdoc in Fabrication of Carbon Nanogap Electrodes for Electrochemical Biomolecule Sensing - DTU Nanolab

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Job Description

Are you keen on contributing to the development of strategies for the electrochemical detection of biomolecules by applying your microengineering skills? Here, we can offer you a unique opportunity to do exactly that in a dynamic research environment. In the TYPHOON project, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we are looking for a talented postdoc candidate for fabrication of novel micro- and nanoelectrode platforms for redox cycling amplification. 

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 micro- and nanofabrication of 3D polymer and carbon structures and devices and their application in drug delivery, bioelectrochemistry and sustainable energy. 

Responsibilities and qualifications

Wearable technology for health monitoring and point-of-care testing for quality-of-life improvement as well as disease monitoring and prevention has seen widespread adoption by our society. The most well-known example is the electrochemical glucose sensor. However, to truly realize personalized healthcare we need to map out a wealth of other biomarkers on a single miniaturized platform. The key challenge is to detect relevant analytes at very low concentrations in highly complex and interfering media such as sweat and interstitial fluid. Electrochemical redox cycling amplification (RCA) can potentially enhance sensor signals up to 10000-fold in a selective manner. However, RCA requires precise control over electrode geometry, ideally with interelectrode gaps in the low nanometer range. 

Your main contribution in this project will be the development of novel pyrolytic carbon nanogap electrode arrays for RCA which combined with fundamental analysis of electrochemical sensing at the nanoscale will enable ultrasensitive biomolecule detection. Your primary tasks will be to:

• plan and execute experimental research
• design and fabricate micro- and nanoelectrode platforms in the DTU Nanolab cleanroom
• characterize the micro- and nanoelectrodes with electrochemical methods 
• evaluate the biomolecule detection with redox cycling amplification
• contribute with supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD students
• assist in experimental teaching activities (lab courses)

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). Extensive experience in cleanroom-based micro- and nanofabrication is essential. Furthermore, a theoretical and experimental background in electroanalysis is beneficial. You are expected to have a keen interest in biomedical applications and the ability to interact with researchers in a very interdisciplinary environment. Excellent communication and language skills are decisive to be considered for the position. 

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 3 years. The starting date is 15 August 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here. 

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Stephan Sylvest Keller, DTU Nanolab, suke@dtu.dk. 

You can read more about DTU Nanolab at 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. 

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 3 July 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

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.