Are you an SDU bachelor or master student looking for a thesis project? We need 1-2 students to help in a scientific research project on diagnostic biotechnology for infectious disease that has great potential for making an impact on global health.

Hepatitis B is an under-diagnosed infectious disease. 257 million people suffer from it, yet only 10% of cases have been diagnosed. More affordable and accessible testing is urgently needed to help to reduce the mortality rate of this disease. These problems can be addressed by performing non-invasive point-of-care testing. However, this is complex due to the nature of the biomarker, the assay and the availability (ease of use, logistics, training). A number of variables from stability to the operating method can affect the accuracy of a diagnostic test, which needs to be sufficiently sensitive and specific before it is approved for market use. This requires a meticulous analytical setup based on different methods of development.

We are looking for a driven Bachelor or Master student with a background in natural sciences to support with the development of diagnostic biotechnology. Specifically, we aim to design stable biosensors targeting Hepatitis B biomarkers in saliva. Emphasis will be put on the properties of the diagnostic system, and the project will include protocol development and implementation. You will get hands-on experience with wet lab research, supervised by a Professor at SDU, and will work alongside a PhD student.

You must be enrolled at University of Southern Denmark studying one of the following programs:

• Biochemistry

• Organic Chemistry

• Molecular Medicine

• Nanotechnology

• Pharmaceutical Sciences

• ...etc.

We are looking for a curious and creative mind. Everyone on the team joined to make an impact on health. We work on tangible challenges to link science directly to real world applications. It is important for us that you see your values reflected in ours.

The thesis project is a collaboration between the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at SDU and Dianox, a biotechnology company specialized in diagnostics of infectious diseases. The work will take place at SDU in Odense starting soon and will run for 6-12 months depending on the university requirements for the student.

If you are excited about this project, please submit your application ASAP.