PhD Position: Nanoparticle Detection of Nucleic Acids from Pathogens University of Udine in Italy

This PhD project focuses on developing and optimizing a novel nanoparticle-based biosensor platform for the rapid detection of nucleic acids from infectious pathogens. Traditional diagnostic methods such as PCR and sequencing, while accurate, are slow, expensive, and require centralized laboratory facilities, limiting their scalability for widespread diagnostic needs. The research aims to address these limitations by advancing a gold colloidal biosensor technology capable of direct detection of viral nucleic acids from biological fluids, eliminating the need for purification or amplification steps.

The project will expand the platform to detect multiple clinically relevant pathogens, validate its analytical and clinical performance, and prepare it for commercialisation and compliance with in vitro diagnostic regulations. Hosted at IIS Biogipuzkoa Health Research Centre in Spain, the work will be conducted within Dr. Charles Lawrie’s Molecular Oncology group, which integrates biomarker discovery, diagnostic tool development, and therapeutic innovation.

The laboratory offers access to advanced facilities for cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, genomics, histology, and clinical trials, as well as strong links to oncology medical services. The position is part of the INT2ACT Doctoral Network, providing opportunities for secondments at collaborating institutions, including Shanghai University in China. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in materials science, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field, and must not already hold a doctoral degree. Desirable skills include bioinformatics, computational biology, nucleic acid detection, nanomaterials, biosensor development, and experience with medical device translation or regulatory aspects.

Strong motivation, multidisciplinary research interest, and proficiency in English are required. The position is fully funded under EU MSCA regulations, including salary, benefits, and travel support. Applications require a statement of interest, CV, academic certificates, and degree documentation, submitted as a single PDF. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026.