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The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Intestinal Absorption and Transport of Biopharmaceuticals invites applications for one fully funded 3-year PhD position in biopharmaceutical therapeutics and nanomedicine.

Biopharmaceuticals are critically important for current healthcare and hold the potential for new innovative treatments for many diseases and disorders. Unfortunately, many biopharmaceuticals are not absorbed by the intestines and have to be administered by other means (e.g. injection). The Centre for Intestinal Absorption and Transport of Biopharmaceuticals, located at the Technical University of Denmark in the Department of Health Technology (DTU Health Tech), is focused on developing new methods to significantly increase the absorption of biopharmaceuticals in the intestine so that these drugs may be administered to people as easy to swallow tablets and capsules. The Centre is a multidisciplinary research environment covering the interface between the life and physical sciences with particular emphasis on nanomedicines and the biointerfaces.

The PhD position aims to develop new models of biopharmaceutical absorption and distribution in the intestine. This will involve a combination of imaging, mass spectrometric and mathematical modelling methodologies in ex vivo intestine and in vivo. The Centre for Intestinal Absorption and Transport of Biopharmaceuticals is a global initiative with satellite teams located at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital and Monash University. PhD students should be prepared to spend a period of time during the 3 years in one or more of these satellite laboratories.

Responsibilities and tasks
The candidates will work as part of a team of scientists and engineers within the Centre and external collaborators. Willingness to work in an international multidisciplinary environment is essential. The successful applicants must demonstrate the following:

• • The ability to work both independently and in a team within interdisciplinary fields.
  • A high degree of personal motivation.
  • Creative and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written).

The candidate will have the following responsibilities/tasks:

• • Learn to and conduct research at a high international level independently and within a team.
  • Conduct themselves in a professional manner.
  • Follow research plans to achieve major and minor goals linked to the Centre’s aims.
  • Disseminate their research and help support teaching activities associated with the Centre.

The PhD candidate should be able to start at the latest by February 1st 2021.

Qualifications
Candidates should 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.

A strong background in the life sciences with a Master degree in Biology or related topics (e.g. pharmacology, medicine, pharmacy etc.). Experience in tissue handling, immunohistology, and Pk/PD modelling is a bonus but not essential.

Having an animal license before starting is considered a plus but is not mandatory.

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 the DTU PhD Guide.

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. Your daily workplace will be DTU Health Tech, located in Kgs Lyngby.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Casper Hempel cash@dtu.dk, Andrew Urquhart anur@dtu.dk and Thomas L Andresen tlan@dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Health Tech at www.healthtech.dtu.dk/english

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 7 December 2020 (local time). Apply online at www.career.dtu.dk.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, 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
  • Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)

Candidates may apply prior to ob­tai­ning their master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.