Center for Research in Multiscale Science and Engineering

PhD Candidate for GCM

The work will focus on the data-driven design and thermodynamic characterization of binary active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipient systems for applications in enhanced dissolution, low-temperature amorphization, and predictive drug formulation.

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PhD Candidate for GCM

Deadline: 30th November 2026

Project description

PhD Position in Machine Learning-Driven Design and Phase Behavior of Pharmaceutical Eutectics and Amorphous Systems.

The MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS seeks a highly motivated Doctoral Candidate (DC2) to develop advanced, data-driven formulation strategies for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with low solubility. The research project focuses on understanding and exploiting the equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase behavior of binary API–API and API–coformer mixtures to unlock low-temperature amorphization, improve processability, and enhance drug dissolution performance and long-term kinetic stability. In parallel, the project advances predictive formulation design by employing graph-based machine learning (ML) models to identify optimal binary API and excipient combinations capable of forming eutectic mixtures with targeted compositions and melting point depressions.

The selected candidate will undertake a doctoral thesis providing original and scientifically significant results in pharmaceutical materials science and data-driven formulation engineering. The candidate will integrate data-driven molecular design and generative machine learning (such as graph convolutional neural networks), experimental phase diagram construction (DSC, PXRD, hot-stage microscopy), thermal and spectroscopic characterization of solid–liquid equilibria, melt-quenching relaxation studies, and dissolution kinetics in biorelevant media.

Work Location & Research Mobility

  • Host Institution: Primary research will be carried out at the EEBE campus of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC-BarcelonaTech) in Barcelona, Spain.

  • Mandatory Secondments:

    • University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland): High-pressure impact studies on phase diagrams (3 months).

    • Janssen Pharmaceutica (Belgium): Industrial R&D exposure focusing on molecular interactions (3 months).

Main Candidate Responsibilities

  • Manage and execute the individual research project (DC2) within the IDEAS network framework.

  • Publish research results in high-impact scientific journals and write and defend the doctoral thesis.

  • Present findings at international conferences and participate in network-wide training courses.

  • Assist in undergraduate teaching support and public scientific dissemination.

General Admission Criteria

  • Education: MSc degree or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field, providing eligibility for PhD enrollment at UPC.

  • Language: Excellent written and spoken English proficiency (CEFR B2 minimum, C1 preferred; IELTS 6.0+).

  • Core Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, high resilience, willingness to travel, team spirit, and strong scientific writing and communication skills.

Technical Requirements

  • Experience in computational research with solid knowledge of at least one core technique (molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics calculations, or machine learning).

  • Experience with molecular materials of pharmaceutical interest is a major advantage.

  • Hands-on experience in physical characterization of molecular materials (dynamics, thermodynamics, structural analysis) and physical transformations (melt-quenching, milling) is a plus.

  • Willingness to teach, train, and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Salary, Benefits & Eligibility

Feature Details
Contract 3-year, full-time doctoral employment contract
Gross Monthly Allowance Living allowance (€2,805) + Mobility allowance (€520)
Base Gross Annual Salary €39,902.14 / year (subject to standard tax & social security deductions)
Family Allowance €360 / month gross (if eligible under MSCA guidelines)

MSCA Eligibility Rules

  1. Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/studies) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment.

  2. Doctoral Status: Applicants must not already hold a PhD degree or equivalent.

Application Procedure

Submit all application materials electronically in .docx or .pdf format to coordinator-ideas@univ-lille.fr:

  1. Application Form: Downloaded from https://ideas-msca.eu/open-positions/, indicating up to 3 preferred IDEAS PhD projects.

  2. Research Exposé: Max. 2 pages detailing your previous research (e.g., BSc/MSc thesis).

  3. Academic CV: Max. 4 pages.

  4. Academic Credentials: Degree certificates, university transcripts (certified English translations), and proof of English proficiency.

  5. Reference Letters: Two recommendation letters and referee forms sent directly by referees to the coordinator address.

  • Application Deadline: 30.11.2026 (applications accepted until all positions are filled)

  • Expected Start Date: Between 01.03.2027 and 01.09.2027

Contact

Prof. Claudi Cazorla
claudio.cazorla@upc.edu

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