PhD Position in Computational Pharmaceutical Science: Modeling Release and Redistribution of Hydrophobic Drugs from Lipid Nanocarriers University of Southern Denmark in Denmark

A Ph.D. position in computational pharmaceutical science is available at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). This research project, funded by the Center for Pharmaceutical Data Science Education (CPDSE), focuses on advancing the understanding of the release and redistribution of hydrophobic drugs from lipid nanocarriers through mathematical modelling and simulation.

The project will employ partial differential equations to model drug distribution and partitioning in multiphase systems, using the drug’s partition coefficient as a driving force. Computational chemistry techniques will be used to create a library of model compounds with varying lipophilicity and to calculate their key physicochemical properties, such as melting point, solubility, size, and chemical potential. An existing model describing drug release via the collision mechanism will be refined by incorporating these physicochemical properties. The research will also include some experimental work as a proof of concept.

Understanding drug release characteristics is crucial for the rational design of drug nanocarriers like liposomes. Hydrophilic drugs encapsulated in the aqueous core are released through diffusion barriers, while hydrophobic drugs within the lipid bilayer are released mainly by partitioning, often resulting in rapid redistribution. Investigating drug release in complex physiological media such as serum is challenging, and the mechanisms of release and redistribution are not fully understood. Two main mechanisms are considered: diffusion-mediated transfer for moderately lipophilic drugs and collision-mediated transfer for highly hydrophobic drugs. Even in collision-mediated transfer, diffusion through the aqueous phase is essential.

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at SDU is recognized for its interdisciplinary research across natural sciences, contributing to solutions in energy, environment, health, and sustainability. The department’s unique structure, housing research in physics, chemistry, and pharmacy, offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration.

Eligibility: Candidates must hold a M.Sc. in pharmacy and have a strong interest in computational and theoretical approaches to pharmaceutical science. Experience with scientific programming (e.g., Matlab, R) is preferred. Applicants must be independent and fluent in English, both oral and written.

Funding: The project is fully funded by the Center for Pharmaceutical Data Science Education (CPDSE).

Application Window: The position starts on 01 August 2026. The application deadline is 1 May 2026 at 23:59 local Danish time.

For further details and to apply, visit the Nature Careers application link or the SDU website. Prepare your application and supporting documents in advance to meet the deadline.