PhD Position in Multifunctional Drug Delivery for Shoulder Implants
Develop innovative antibiotic-release and synovial fluid viscosupplementation systems for next-generation shoulder prostheses.
Best for:Best for PhD candidates with a strong background in pharmaceutics, biomaterials, or biomedical engineering, passionate about translational research at the intersection of drug delivery and orthopedic implants.
Overview
This PhD position within the MSCA Doctoral Network CUSTOM at Semmelweis University focuses on advancing patient-specific shoulder implants by integrating extended-release antibiotic delivery and synovial fluid viscosupplementation. The project aims to address critical failure mechanisms—such as infection and implant loosening—through a multifunctional 3D-printed prosthesis combined with a biodegradable drug delivery system. The work spans pharmaceutics, biomaterials, and tribology, with translational applications in orthopedic surgery. The successful candidate will conduct literature reviews, formulate and test sterile multiparticulate dosage forms, and evaluate tribological performance in model shoulder joint environments. Planned secondments at the University of Nottingham and Budapest University of Technology and Economics will provide specialized training in drug encapsulation and synovial fluid characterization.
What you'll do
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review on extended-release antibiotic delivery systems and synovial fluid viscosupplementation, with a focus on multiparticulate carriers and tribological behavior in joint prostheses.
- Design and implement a formulation strategy for a sterile multiparticulate dosage form capable of prolonged antibiotic release and viscosupplementation in model synovial environments.
- Prepare and characterize biodegradable matrices and excipient systems, optimizing critical attributes such as particle size distribution, swelling behavior, rheology, and drug release profiles.
- Perform dissolution, release, and tribological tests in model shoulder joint environments to evaluate antibiotic release kinetics, synovial fluid flow characteristics, and friction/wear behavior at metal-polymer or metal-ceramic interfaces.
- Establish correlations between in vitro testing conditions and anticipated in vivo performance of the drug delivery system.
- Collaborate with partners during planned secondments at the University of Nottingham and Budapest University of Technology and Economics for specialized training in drug encapsulation and synovial fluid characterization.
- Present research findings at international conferences and contribute to the broader CUSTOM project network.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Hungarian (excellent proficiency)
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in pharmaceutics, biomaterials, or biomedical engineering
- Experience with drug delivery systems, particularly controlled-release mechanisms
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing techniques (e.g., 3D printing)
- Hands-on laboratory skills in formulation development and characterization
- Knowledge of tribological testing methods and synovial fluid behavior
- Strong background in scientific research and literature review
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned, but MSCA eligibility rules apply (e.g., mobility rule: not having resided or carried out main activity in Hungary for more than 12 months in the last 3 years)
- No age limit specified, but MSCA typically targets early-career researchers
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-23 (Europe/Budapest)
Applicants must submit their CV, a motivation letter, and academic transcripts through the official MSCA Doctoral Network application portal. Additional documents may include a research proposal and two letters of recommendation. The application process is competitive and requires adherence to MSCA eligibility criteria, including the mobility rule.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc + MSc)
- Research proposal (if required)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Proof of Hungarian proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Dr. Miléna Lengyel· Project Supervisor
+36 1 476-3600
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.