PhD scholarship in Neurodevelopmental Bioengineering - DTU Bioengineering

If you are passionate about neural development and would like to leverage human pluripotent stem cell technology and 3D printing to model and modulate early neurodevelopmental processes in a dish, this is a position for you at DTU Bioengineering in the group of Jenny Emnéus. 

The aim of the project is to develop an in vitro stem cell-derived neural tube model to investigate human midbrain-hindbrain boundary morphogenesis and teratogenesis.  

Our previous work on the topic of bioprinted neuronal constructs (see Kajtez et al. Adv. Science, 2022) only included printing of neural progentitor cells. The present project will establish an embedded printing platform for precise deposition of pluripotent stem cells and subsequent multiregional differentiation through application of morphogen gradients. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will conduct research within the topics described above. You have (or are close to completion of) an MSc in neuroscience, molecular biology, or similar. The essential criteria for this position are:

• Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culture
• Experience with neuronal reprogramming and differentiation
• Experience with plasmid design and cloning
• Knowledge of neurodevelopmental processes
• Ability for thinking and working independently
• Ability to communicate clearly in English

Ideally, you should also fulfil the following criteria:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques and microscopy
• Knowledge of 3D printing and hydrogel technologies 

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.

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. 

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 period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Jenny Emnéus.

You can read more about Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) at www.bioengineering.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 than 7 April 2026 (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
• References with contact details and/or letter of recommendation

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 Bioengineering is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.