R. Macovez
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MSCA PhD position - Development of hybrid nanoparticles for enhanced biopharmaceutical delivery Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Spain
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Jan 30, 2027
Country
Spain
University
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
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About this position
3-year fully funded PhD position in the MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC-BarcelonaTech) in Barcelona, Spain. The project, DC13 – Development of hybrid nanoparticles for enhanced biopharmaceutical delivery, sits at the intersection of applied physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical technology.
The doctoral research will focus on designing, synthesising, and characterising hybrid nanoparticle systems for advanced delivery of fragile biopharmaceuticals such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. The work combines hybrid mesoporous silica nanoparticles with tunable pore size and surface chemistry, and amorphous polymer microparticles encapsulating nanoparticle-loaded systems to create multistage, controlled-release platforms. The project aims to improve loading, protection, stability, and targeted release while enhancing biocompatibility and overall delivery performance.
The PhD candidate will be enrolled at the UPC EEBE-CDB campus in Barcelona and work for 24 months in the Group of Characterization of Materials under the supervision of prof. R. Macovez and prof. M. Romanini. A 3-month secondment will take place at Linari Engineering in Pisa, Italy, to gain industrial experience with advanced electrospinning equipment. During the remaining 12 months, the candidate will work at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal, under Prof. J. P. Farinha and Prof. C. Baleizão, focusing on nanoparticle preparation and quality assessment.
Research methods include synthesis by co-condensation and post-functionalization, electrospinning and electrospraying, and comprehensive characterization using BET, TEM/SEM, FTIR, NMR, DSC, DLS, zeta potential, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The project is designed for a researcher interested in experimental nanomaterials, interfacial chemistry, drug delivery, and structure–property relationships in hybrid systems.
The position is funded under Horizon Europe - MSCA with a 3-year full-time contract. The gross monthly salary includes a €2,805 living allowance, €520 mobility allowance, and, where applicable, a €360 family allowance. The annual gross salary is stated as €39,902.14 plus family allowance if applicable.
Eligibility requirements include a relevant MSc degree, English proficiency of at least B2 (preferably C1/IELTS 6 or above), and compliance with the MSCA mobility rule. Applications are submitted online and must include a completed form, research exposé, CV, academic records, proof of English language ability if available, and two reference letters. The application deadline is 30 January 2027, with recruitment possibly continuing until all positions are filled. The intended start window is between 1 March 2027 and 1 September 2027.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, or a related subject that provides access to PhD study. They should preferably have experience with experimental methods, chemical synthesis, and/or materials or nanoparticle characterization. Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a PhD programme at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule (not have resided or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before recruitment), must not already hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, and must have no conflict of interest with the future supervisors. English proficiency is required at CEFR B2 or higher, preferably C1; IELTS 6 or higher is preferred. Additional desirable traits include willingness to travel, resilience, flexibility, team spirit, strong communication and scientific writing skills, and interest in interdisciplinary work. Experience with polymer science and technology is a plus.
How to apply
Apply electronically through https://www.ideas-dn.eu/recruitment/ using the required documents in docx or pdf format. Submit the completed application form, research exposé, CV, graduation certificate and transcript, proof of English proficiency if available, and two reference letters with referee form. Send all documents to [email protected] and follow the naming conventions in the application form.
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