Institut Químic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull
5 days ago
Postdoctoral Researcher in Polymer Chemistry for Biomedical Applications Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull in Spain
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Spain
University
Institut Químic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull
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About this position
Postdoctoral Researcher in Polymer Chemistry for Biomedical Applications at Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona, Spain.
The NanoTherapies Lab is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Nano4Neuro project, a collaborative initiative focused on developing a nanotechnology platform for efficient delivery of therapeutic mRNA to the central nervous system. The scientific goal is to overcome biological barriers to brain delivery and support a therapeutic strategy aimed at restoring malin expression for Lafora disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder.
The position is centered on organic and polymer chemistry for biomedical applications. The selected researcher will design, synthesize, functionalize, purify, and characterize novel functional polymers, then help integrate them into advanced hybrid nanoformulations for RNA delivery. The work sits at the interface of polymer chemistry, nanomedicine, and biomedicine, with strong emphasis on understanding how polymer structure influences nanoparticle properties, biocompatibility, and delivery performance.
Key duties include developing synthesis and functionalization protocols, performing structural and physicochemical characterization, contributing to polymer-based nanoparticle formulation, collaborating on biological evaluation, analyzing data, and helping prepare scientific reports and publications. The successful candidate will also participate in project activities and support junior researchers and students.
The contract is a full-time postdoctoral position for 24 months, with an expected start in early 2027. The workplace is IQS in Barcelona, Spain. Access is provided to facilities for polymer synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and nanoparticle development. Salary and employment conditions follow institutional policies and depend on candidate experience.
Eligibility highlights: PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related field; strong background in polymer synthesis and organic synthesis; hands-on experience in functional polymer preparation and characterization; good English; and preferably experience in nanoparticle formulation and in vitro biological evaluation.
Funding: The Nano4Neuro project has been selected under the CaixaResearch Health 2026 call and will be funded by the La Caixa Foundation.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026.
Applicants should submit a CV, a brief motivation letter, and contact details for at least two academic references via the online application portal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online or in-person interview.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related discipline. A strong academic background in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry is required, along with demonstrated doctoral research experience in the synthesis and characterization of functional polymers. Hands-on experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, chemical modification, functionalization, polymer purification, and structural/physicochemical characterization is expected. Experience in designing and optimizing synthetic routes for functional polymeric materials is required, and prior work on polymeric nanoparticles, nanoformulations, drug delivery systems, or biological evaluation is highly valued. Knowledge of RAFT polymerization, click chemistry, NMR, FTIR, GPC/SEC, and nanoparticle characterization methods such as DLS, zeta potential, NTA, or electron microscopy is advantageous. Experience with in vitro cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, cellular uptake, or transfection studies is an additional asset. Good written and spoken English is required, and a scientific publication record relevant to the position will be positively assessed.
How to apply
Apply via the provided IQS online application website. Submit a CV, a brief motivation letter, and contact details for at least two academic references. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online or in-person interview.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.