PhD on Polymeric lipid formulations for delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics

Are you enthusiastic about combining nanoscience with innovative solutions for drug delivery? Do you want to be part of a team that pushes the frontiers in nanomedicine? This project could then be highly suited for you.

Position PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Biomedical Engineering

FTE 1,0

Date off 31/10/2024

Reference number V50.7788

Job description

The Bio-organic chemistry group at Eindhoven University of Technology has a longstanding tradition in the construction of polymer-based nanomedicines. The main objective of DC5 will be to construct polymer building blocks that, together with lipids, will allow efficient encapsulation and delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. DC5 will be working on the preparation of a polymer library using controlled radical polymerization methods which includes protonatable side chains and alkyl moieties This project will also include secondments at CIPF Valencia and Imperial College London.

Lipid nanoparticles that deliver nucleic acid therapeutics  have revolutionized the field of nanomedicine, as is clear from  the global success of the COVD vaccines. However, the maximum potential of these delivery systems has not been fully fulfilled. One reason is the limited chemical variety that lipid formulations allow. In this project you will work on combining small molecule lipids with lipid-like polymers. You will use your creativity in chemistry to develop improved nanomedicines. You will be working in the bio-organic chemistry group, which is part of the chemical biology cluster of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Here you will find support from our team of researchers active in nanomedicine. Furthermore you will be actively involved in the NATPRIME doctoral network, which accommodates in total 20 doctoral candidates (https://www.natprime.org/).

Further information on the research interests of the Van Hest Bio-Organic Chemistry can be found on their website:https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/macromolecular-and-organic-chemistry/bio-organic-chemistry 

Job requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Polymer Chemistry or Molecular Pharmaceutics.
• A demonstrated knowledge of at least three of the following: organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry.
• Experience with cell biology and / or pharmaceutical research is considered a plus.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2.872,- gross / month in the first year and max. €3.670,- gross / month in the fourth year).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 
Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view this video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Jan van Hest, full professor, j.c.m.v.hest@tue.nl. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Sascha Sanchez, HR advisor, s.j.m.g.sanchez.van.oort@tue.nl. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.