MSCA PhD position: Hybrid eutectic–polymer systems for amorphous solid dispersions of high-melting active pharmaceutical ingredients Trinity College Dublin in Ireland

Trinity College Dublin is offering a fully funded 3-year MSCA PhD position within the Horizon Europe Doctoral Network IDEAS.

The project, Hybrid eutectic–polymer systems for amorphous solid dispersions of high-melting active pharmaceutical ingredients, sits at the interface of pharmacy, physical chemistry and pharmaceutical technology. It addresses a major formulation challenge: many high-melting or poorly processable APIs are difficult to transform into stable amorphous solid dispersions without using harsh processing conditions. This project explores hybrid eutectic–polymer matrices as a greener, lower-temperature route to improve amorphisation, miscibility, stability and drug release.

Research methods include spray drying, solvent evaporation and melt-quenching, alongside thermal and structural characterisation, glass-transition analysis, miscibility studies and relaxation-dynamics measurements. The project aims to establish design principles for combining eutectic plasticisation with polymer stabilisation, generating knowledge that could support next-generation ASD formulations and more sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The PhD candidate will be part of the wider IDEAS network, with training activities, conferences, research dissemination, teaching opportunities and a research stay at external laboratories or company sites. Planned secondments include the University of Silesia in Katowice for molecular mobility and stability characterisation, and Zentiva in the Czech Republic for industrial experience and scale-up.

Funding is provided through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Industrial Doctorate scheme. The gross package includes a living allowance of €51,868.11 per year, a mobility allowance of €7,648.11 per year, and, where applicable, a family allowance of €7,109.52 per year, subject to taxes and social contributions.

Applicants should hold at least a 2.1 Honours BSc or equivalent in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related subject, and must be eligible for a PhD at Trinity College Dublin. English proficiency is required, with IELTS 6.5 or equivalent stated for the project. Experience in pharmaceutical characterisation and formulation design is desirable, together with strong communication, organisation and willingness to travel.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, though applications may be accepted later until positions are filled. The expected start date is 1 March 2027. Applications must be submitted electronically through the IDEAS open-positions website, together with the required documents and referee details.