DTU Nanotech Doctoral scholarships in Organic Synthesis and Polymer Chemistry

DTU Nanotech Doctoral scholarships in Organic Synthesis and Polymer Chemistry

CBIO group of Department of Micro and Nanotechnology (DTU Nanotech) offer 2 (two) full doctoral scholarships. The position will be part of colloboration CBIO group with some Pharma and Medico companies in Denmark, and part of larger effort in developing of synthetic gene delivery systems at the forefront of research in nanomedicine.

Position 1: Surface engineering of nanoparticles
One of the major tasks in the development of nanoparticle systems for both drug delivery and diagnostic applications is controlled surface functionalization and surface coating. We need to develop multienveloped systems where modern synthetic chemistry is a highly important tool. There is furthermore a need to develop new synthetic tools for the quantification of the biomolecular functionalization and to characterize how this is influenced by nanoparticle surface chemistry and morphology. This position is open to a student with a background in organic synthesis or polymer chemistry.

Position 2: Biodegradable transfection systems
Current cellular transfection strategies of DNA/RNA utilize cationic lipid and polymer systems (polyplexes) that show cellular toxicity and are thus unsuitable for in vivo use. There is a need to develop new biodegradable polymer systems that are less toxic to cells. This PhD project is focused on the synthesis of new polymers for lowering the toxicity without hampering the transfection efficiency. One part of the project is focused on fluorescent labeling of the polyplexes to conduct cellular trafficking and organelle localization experiments. The successful candidate will have a background in synthetic organic chemistry or polymer chemistry.

Qualifications
Applicants should have a master’s degree in engineering or a similar with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the Doctoral degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. See the DTU PhD Guide if you need information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies.

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 may be obtained from Thomas.andresen[at]nanotech.dtu.dk, tel: +45 4677 5480.

You can read more about DTU Nanotech and the CBIO group at www.nanotech.dtu.dk.

Application
We must have your online application by 3 December 2010. 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 (excel spreadsheet for the conversion)
Candidates may apply prior to ob tai ning their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Source:
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