PhD scholarship in Microengineering of 3D carbon electrode platforms for microbial electrochemical systems - DTU Nanolab

<p>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?</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities and qualifications</strong><br/> 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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:</p> <ul> <li>plan and execute experimental research</li> <li>design, fabricate and optimize 3D carbon microelectrodes for microbial electrochemical systems in an iterative manner using microtechnology</li> <li>evaluate material properties and electrochemical performance of the 3D electrodes</li> <li>integrate the 3D electrodes in electrochemical platforms for microbial solar cells and microbial electrosynthesis</li> <li>assist in preparation and testing of the platforms at the partner institutions</li> <li>collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team in a focused scientific effort</li> <li>contribute as teaching assistant at DTU Nanolab and supervise BSc and MSc student projects</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Approval and Enrolment</strong> <br/> 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 <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/Education/PhD/Rules" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DTU's rules for the PhD education</a>. </p> <p><strong>Assessment</strong><br/> 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).</p> <p><strong>We offer</strong><br/> 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.</p> <p><strong>Salary and appointment terms</strong><br/> The appointment will be bas