Center for Research in Multiscale Science and Engineering

PhD Candidate for GCM

The work will focus on the synthesis, structural characterization, and electrospinning-based assembly of hybrid silica–polymer nanoparticles for controlled biopharmaceutical delivery and drug stabilization.

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PhD Candidate for GCM

Deadline: 30th November 2026

Project description

PhD Position in Development of Hybrid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Biopharmaceutical Delivery

The MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS seeks a highly motivated Doctoral Candidate (DC13) to develop advanced hybrid nanoparticle carrier systems for the efficient stabilization and controlled delivery of biopharmaceuticals, such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. The research project addresses the intrinsic instability and low biological barrier permeability of sensitive biomolecules by engineering two complementary nanoparticle platforms: hybrid mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with tunable pore sizes (2–10 nm) and organic/inorganic surface functionalization, and amorphous polymer microparticles (PMPs) encapsulating API-loaded MSNs produced via electrospinning and electrospraying.

The selected candidate will undertake a doctoral thesis providing original and scientifically significant results in pharmaceutical nanotechnology and materials physics. The candidate will integrate multi-step chemical synthesis, electrospinning/electrospraying processing, structural and morphological characterization (TEM/SEM, BET, NMR, DLS, Zeta potential), drug release kinetics under biorelevant conditions, and advanced physical studies assessing molecular mobility, glass transitions, and confinement dynamics via broadband dielectric spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Work Location & Research Mobility

  • Main Degree Institution (24 Months): Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC-BarcelonaTech), EEBE campus (Barcelona, Spain), within the Group of Characterization of Materials supervised by Prof. R. Macovez and Prof. M. Romanini.

  • Academic Stay (12 Months): Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa (Lisbon, Portugal) under Prof. J. P. Farinha and Prof. C. Baleizão, focusing on MSN preparation and TEM/SEM/NMR/Raman characterization (AY 2027–2028).

  • Industrial Secondment (3 Months): Linari Engineering (Pisa, Italy) for hands-on industrial experience with advanced electrospinning equipment.

Main Candidate Responsibilities

  • Execute research project DC13 across international host institutions and secondments.

  • Publish research outcomes in high-impact scientific journals and assemble the doctoral thesis for defense.

  • Present research findings at international conferences and attend network training events.

  • Engage in public dissemination activities and support undergraduate teaching.

General Admission Criteria

  • Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, or related disciplines, providing eligibility for PhD enrollment at UPC.

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

  • Core Competencies: Strong problem-solving ability, high resilience, adaptability to international mobility, team spirit, and excellent scientific writing and communication skills.

Technical Requirements

  • Background or experience with experimental research methods in chemical synthesis and/or materials characterization.

  • Experience with chemical synthesis is an advantage.

  • Hands-on experience with nanoparticle and materials characterization techniques (size/structure determination, morphology, thermodynamics, dynamics) is an advantage.

  • Knowledge of polymer science and electrospinning/electrospraying technologies is a plus.

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. Roberto Macovez
roberto.macovez@upc.edu
Prof. Michela Romanini
michela.romanini@upc.edu

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