PhD Candidate in Ecotoxicology of Nano-Embedded Medicines and Their Degradation Products

This PhD position at Leiden University focuses on the ecotoxicological safety of nano-embedded medicines and their degradation products. The successful candidate will join the Environmental Biology Department within the Institute for Environmental Sciences, part of the Faculty of Science. The research aims to investigate the environmental risks associated with nanomedicines, which are increasingly used in drug delivery to improve therapies for diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders. Despite their promise, nanomedicines pose challenges due to poor degradability, high toxicity, and accumulation at non-target sites. The project is part of the national NanoMedNL consortium, which develops novel nanomedicines for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The PhD student will collaborate with multidisciplinary partners and contribute to standardized workflows for environmental risk assessment. Research activities include establishing a workflow to study the release and impacts of nanomedicines and their degradation products on non-target species, such as culturable microbes, daphnids, and algae. Experiments will assess fate, uptake, and effects in relevant exposure media, using a tiered approach from standard OECD lab tests to mechanistic studies of toxicity, biotransformation, and degradation. The project aims to enhance the ecological and human relevance of risk assessments and integrate risk-benefit considerations from the design phase of new medicines. Key responsibilities include completing a PhD thesis within four years, investigating dose-effect relationships and mechanisms of uptake and biodistribution, collaborating with stakeholders, participating in group meetings, and contributing to deliverables on environmental impact assessment. Leiden University offers a vibrant, international research environment with a strong focus on sustainability, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is known for its supportive culture and opportunities for skill development. The Faculty of Science provides diverse research activities and programs, and is located in Leiden’s Bio Science Park. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working hours, hybrid work options, comprehensive benefits, and support for professional growth. Applicants should have an MSc in environmental or biological sciences or related fields, experience with mathematical modelling and scientific programming, and strong communication skills in English. The university values diversity and inclusiveness, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Applications must be submitted online with a CV and cover letter by 16th November 2024. For further information, contact Dr. Martina Vijver.