15 PhD Positions in Amorphous Pharmaceutical Materials Science
Join the MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS to advance drug solubility and stability through cutting-edge research in amorphous pharmaceutical materials.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a strong background in materials science, chemistry, pharmacy, or related fields, eager to contribute to interdisciplinary research on amorphous pharmaceutical materials and their industrial applications.
Overview
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network IDEAS offers 15 fully funded PhD positions across Europe, focusing on improving drug efficacy through innovative amorphous pharmaceutical materials. Coordinated by the Université de Lille, this network unites 10 beneficiaries—including universities, large companies, and an SME—alongside 6 associated partners from 10 European countries. The programme addresses a critical challenge in pharmaceutical development: the poor aqueous solubility of 70–90% of new chemical entities. Through interdisciplinary research spanning materials science, physics, chemistry, pharmacy, and pharmaceutical technology, the network aims to develop a rational, science-based understanding of amorphous materials and their industrial applications. Doctoral candidates will conduct collaborative research, participate in a comprehensive training programme, and benefit from international mobility and industry partnerships, fostering the next generation of experts in pharmaceutical materials science.
What you'll do
- Conduct cutting-edge research on amorphous pharmaceutical materials to enhance drug solubility and stability.
- Develop and validate novel manufacturing techniques for amorphous materials, including spray-drying, freeze-drying, hot-melt extrusion, and high-energy milling.
- Apply advanced characterisation techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, diffraction, calorimetry, solid-state NMR) to study structural and dynamic properties of pharmaceutical systems.
- Integrate computational modelling (e.g., molecular dynamics, DFT computations) and machine learning to predict and design optimal formulations.
- Collaborate with industrial partners to translate research findings into scalable manufacturing processes.
- Participate in interdisciplinary training programmes, including workshops, summer schools, and secondments at partner institutions.
- Present research findings at network meetings, conferences, and scientific publications.
- Contribute to the development of science-based design principles for amorphous pharmaceutical formulations.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration (no specific test score mentioned).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic background in chemistry, pharmacy, materials science, or a related discipline.
- Experience with advanced characterisation techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, diffraction, calorimetry).
- Familiarity with computational tools (e.g., molecular dynamics, DFT computations, machine learning).
- Strong laboratory skills, including synthesis, formulation, and analysis of pharmaceutical materials.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
- Open to EU and non-EU candidates (eligibility criteria apply as per MSCA Doctoral Networks rules).
- Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, studies) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date.
- Candidates must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2024-09-30 (expected; verify MSCA portal for confirmation) (Europe/Paris)
Interested candidates must apply through the official MSCA Doctoral Networks portal. The application process will require submitting a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. Detailed instructions will be provided on the IDEAS network website and MSCA portal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
IDEAS Doctoral Network Coordinator· Network Coordinator
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