PhD Student in the Development of Stable Lipid Nanoparticles for Vaccines

This PhD position focuses on the development and stability of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for vaccine applications, aiming to advance both performance and stability through molecular and structural investigations. The project is a collaboration between KTH Royal Institute of Technology, RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), Larodan, and Karolinska Institutet, offering a unique multidisciplinary environment. The doctoral student will be employed by RISE and registered at KTH in the Biotechnology doctoral program, with work shared between RISE Chemical and Biological Formulation and KTH Division of NanoBiotechnology at SciLifeLab, Solna. Additional research will be conducted at Karolinska Institutet and Abitec Larodan Lipids. The research involves designing and systematically screening LNP formulations, physical and chemical characterization, use of large-scale research infrastructures (LSRI), and in vitro evaluation. The project leverages expertise and facilities in lipid chemistry, structural characterization, and mRNA technology, and provides access to state-of-the-art equipment at partner institutions and LSRI in Sweden and internationally. The student will benefit from multidisciplinary supervision combining biology, physics, and chemistry, and will be closely connected to research activities at RISE, particularly within the Chemical and Biological section, which conducts research in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. RISE offers a creative, international, and dynamic research environment, with opportunities to work flexibly across academic, research institute, and industry settings. KTH Royal Institute of Technology is one of Europe’s leading technical universities, providing a dynamic and international research environment, supportive postgraduate education, and collaboration with industries and prominent universities worldwide. The group has expertise in using large-scale research infrastructures to study lipid systems and biological processes. Applicants must have a second cycle degree (master’s or equivalent), or have completed at least 240 higher education credits with at least 60 at the second-cycle level. Mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6. Experience in formulating lipid nanoparticles with mRNA via microfluidics, sample preparation and data analysis from small-angle scattering (SAXS, SANS) or similar techniques, ability to work independently, and ability to collaborate constructively with external partners are required. Meritorious qualifications include experience in cell culture and cytotoxicity assays, working in multidisciplinary teams, and interest in structural biology, pharmaceutical formulation, and translational research. Emphasis is placed on collaboration skills and independence. The main supervisors are Hanna Barriga (KTH) and Randi Nordström (RISE), with co-supervision by Matti Sällberg (Karolinska Institutet) and Donald Kelemen (Abitec Larodan Lipids). Signing a researcher agreement is a necessary condition to accept this PhD position. The deadline for applications is March 13th, 2026. Interviews will be carried out continuously during the application period. Apply as soon as possible with a personal letter, CV, and copies of degree diplomas and transcripts. For more information, contact supervisor Randi Nordström.