Paulina Skupin-Mrugalska

This postdoctoral opening is part of the MIST project at the Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry , Faculty of Pharmacy, at Poznan University of Medical Sciences . The project focuses on the development of lipid nanoparticles for the pulmonary delivery of siRNA using Soft Mist Inhalers, combining microfluidic nanoparticle manufacturing, advanced physicochemical characterization, Design of Experiments, and artificial intelligence-assisted optimization. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team and contribute mainly to Work Packages WP1 and WP2 . The research centers on the design, preparation, optimization, and characterization of siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles, with a clear emphasis on formulation strategy development and reproducible delivery systems for inhaled RNA therapeutics. The work includes formulation design for nucleic acid delivery, preparation of lipid nanoparticles using microfluidic technologies, and systematic optimization of formulation and process parameters. The postdoctoral researcher will also evaluate relationships between composition, manufacturing conditions, and critical quality attributes, while helping develop the experimental logic behind the project’s formulation pipeline. Another major component of the role is characterization of the nanoparticles using analytical and physicochemical methods such as particle sizing, zeta potential analysis, encapsulation assessment, stability studies, and related laboratory techniques. The postdoc will also analyze results, document experiments carefully, prepare scientific reports, contribute to publications, and present findings at conferences. The position is led by Prof. Paulina Skupin-Mrugalska, PhD, DSc , and includes close collaboration with two PhD students and other project members. The research environment is therefore both collaborative and interdisciplinary, with responsibilities spanning experimental design, laboratory work, data interpretation, and mentoring support within the project team.