Consultant in Hemoglobin-Based Nanocarriers

Scientific and technical support for the development of metal-organic framework nanoparticles as advanced oxygen carriers. 

Would you like to contribute to the development of the next generation of artificial oxygen carriers? 

We are looking for a consultant with strong expertise in metal-organic framework nanomaterials, biomacromolecule encapsulation and advanced nanoparticle characterization. You will join the Biomimetics, Biocarriers and Bioimplants (3Bs) group at DTU Health Tech, where you will provide specialist experimental support for ongoing research on hemoglobin-based nanocarriers. A central part of the position will be the development, optimization and documentation of experimental methods and workflows supporting the group’s activities within artificial oxygen carriers.

The job
You will work in the interdisciplinary 3Bs group at the interface of chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology and biomedicine. Your primary responsibility will be to provide technical expertise for the preparation, characterization and evaluation of hemoglobin-loaded metal-organic framework nanoparticles and related porous nanomaterials.

The position has a strong experimental and methodological focus. You will work closely with researchers and students in the group to ensure that experimental procedures are robust, reproducible and well documented.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Preparing, synthesizing and optimizing hemoglobin-loaded metal-organic framework nanoparticles and their surface functionalization.
• Characterizing nanoparticle size, morphology, crystallinity, porosity, surface chemistry, composition and protein loading.
• Evaluating colloidal stability, hemoglobin structural integrity, oxygen-binding and release properties, methemoglobin formation, antioxidant functionality and biocompatibility.
• Supporting in vitro studies and providing experimental and technical assistance for in vivo studies carried out together with internal and external collaborators.
• Analysing, organizing and documenting experimental data and contributing to quality control and reproducibility of experimental procedures.
• Maintaining relevant laboratory methods, equipment and experimental workflows and supporting troubleshooting when required.
• Training and assisting students and researchers in relevant experimental techniques and laboratory procedures.
• Contributing with input to project reports, manuscripts, presentations and other dissemination activities.
• Supporting collaboration and knowledge transfer between researchers within the group and with external project partners.

Our expectations of you
You should have a PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, nanotechnology or a closely related field.

We expect you to have:

• Practical experience with the synthesis and characterization of metal-organic frameworks or related porous nanomaterials, preferably at the nanoscale.
• Experience with encapsulation of proteins or other biomacromolecules in nanoparticle systems.
• Experience with hemoglobin-containing materials, artificial oxygen carriers or related protein-based delivery systems would be highly relevant.
• Strong hands-on experience with relevant characterization techniques, for example PXRD, SEM, TEM, DLS, BET, UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XPS and TGA.
• Experience with nanoparticle surface modification, colloidal stabilization and biological characterization.
• Experience establishing, optimizing and documenting laboratory protocols and experimental procedures.
• Experience analysing and presenting scientific data and preparing technical documentation.
• Experience training or supporting students and colleagues in laboratory techniques will be an advantage.

You should be able to organize and carry out experimental work in close collaboration with researchers, students and collaborators. We value a systematic and solution-oriented approach, attention to detail, strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate clearly in English.

What we offer in return
We offer an interesting and varied consultant position in an international and interdisciplinary research environment focused on developing advanced biomaterials for therapeutic applications.

You will work closely with chemists, materials scientists, biologists and external research partners and will have the opportunity to apply and further develop your specialist expertise across several research activities within the group.

The position provides the opportunity to play a role in maintaining and further developing the group’s experimental capabilities within hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, nanoparticle synthesis and characterization. You will contribute to ensuring continuity, reproducibility and transfer of specialized methods and knowledge across research projects.

We place strong emphasis on scientific quality, collaboration and professional development. You will join a supportive and inclusive research environment with considerable responsibility for organizing your own experimental and technical activities.

DTU is one of Europe’s leading institutions in the technical and natural sciences.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). 

In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for academic staff employed in technical-administrative positions at DTU (AC TAP): www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The position is a project position, currently the project runs for two years, starting date is 1 December 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 22. September 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates. 

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Professor Leticia Hosta Rigau by email (leri@dtu.dk).

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.