PhD Position in Biophotonics, Drug Delivery, and Predictive Modelling at University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen is offering a fully funded three-year PhD position in Biophotonics for Drug Delivery and Predictive Modelling at the Department of Pharmacy. This interdisciplinary project focuses on leveraging advanced biophotonics techniques, such as low-frequency Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy, to analyze and optimize polymer-based drug delivery systems. The research aims to connect microscopic structural features of polymeric matrices with their macroscopic performance, such as stability, dissolution, and drug release kinetics, using both experimental and data-driven approaches including machine learning and predictive modelling.
The successful candidate will investigate the structure-property relationships in polymeric drug delivery matrices, with a particular focus on the coexistence and evolution of semi-crystalline lamellae and amorphous domains under various processing and hydration conditions. The project will involve spatial Brillouin microscopy, low-frequency Raman spectroscopy, calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering, swelling studies, and in vitro release testing. These experimental data will be integrated using chemometrics and deep learning (notably one-dimensional convolutional neural networks) to generate predictive models for drug delivery performance.
The PhD student will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher developing machine learning toolkits for spectroscopic analysis and will be part of a vibrant research team including an assistant professor, two postdocs, and three other PhD students. The project is a joint initiative between the group of Professor Vito Foderà and Assistant Professor Kārlis Bērziņš at the Center for Pharmaceutical Data Science Education. The Department of Pharmacy offers a dynamic and international research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, as well as opportunities for international collaboration through the Center for Advanced Solid State Analysis and other partners.
Applicants should hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as biophotonics, pharmaceutical formulation and materials, solid-state characterization, data analytics, or in vitro performance testing. Experience in optical spectroscopy or microscopy, solid-state characterization, chemometrics, deep learning, and wet-lab techniques is advantageous. Good language skills and a strong academic record are required. The position is fully funded, with a monthly salary starting at approximately 30,800 DKK (about 4,100 EUR) plus pension. The employment is full-time (37 hours/week) for three years, subject to successful enrolment in the PhD program at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
The application deadline is January 25th, 2026. Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, certified copy of their MSc diploma and transcript, publication list (if applicable), and references via the University of Copenhagen job portal. For further information, contact Professor Vito Foderà or Assistant Professor Kārlis Bērziņš. More details about the department, research facilities, and application process can be found on the university’s official websites.
