PhD Position (MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS DC14): 4D Biopharmaceuticals with Electromagnetically Activated Functionalities University of Pisa in Italy

The University of Pisa is recruiting a doctoral candidate for MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS, position DC14: 4D Biopharmaceuticals with electromagnetically activated functionalities. This PhD is part of a larger European network, IDEAS, focused on improving drug efficacy with next-generation amorphous materials and training early-stage researchers in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary pharmaceutical materials science.

The project is hosted by the DICI – Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Pisa, Italy, and is supervised by Prof. Serena Danti and Prof. Giuseppe Gallone. The research targets smart “4D biopharmaceuticals” that respond dynamically to external stimuli, especially near-infrared (NIR) light. The successful candidate will develop polymer-based materials and hybrid structures, from nanoscale carriers to macroscale scaffolds, that enable controlled, on-demand drug release and adaptive therapeutic performance.

Research topics include photo-responsive polymer networks, NIR-absorbing chromophores, and plasmonic nanomaterials such as gold or carbon/ceramic nanoparticles. The project uses advanced synthesis and processing techniques including controlled polymerization, RAFT, ATRP, click chemistry, 3D printing, electrospinning, and emulsion templating. Characterisation will involve UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM/TEM, rheology, and DLS, alongside drug-loading and light-triggered release experiments under simulated physiological conditions and biocompatibility testing.

The position is embedded in a strong European consortium of universities and industry partners, offering secondments at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Spain and Linari Engineering s.r.l. in Italy. These placements are intended to broaden the candidate’s experience in materials-property analysis and pilot-scale spinning of fibrous polymeric structures. The wider IDEAS network also includes training events, workshops, summer schools, intersectoral mobility, and PhD coursework.

This is a fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network position. The remuneration includes a living allowance of €3,820/month and a mobility allowance of €710/month, with possible additional family allowance if eligible. The appointment is full-time for 36 months, with a planned start date of 1 March 2027.

Eligibility is open to candidates with a Master’s degree or equivalent in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related disciplines. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must meet the MSCA mobility rule. Strong English proficiency is required (B2 minimum / excellent English), and prior experimental experience in materials science and engineering is preferred. Applications should be submitted by email with all required documents before 30 November 2026.