Two MSCA Doctoral Fellowships in Cutaneous Formulation Research
Explore excipient equivalence and nano-enabled dermal formulations in a cross-disciplinary PhD programme with industry secondments.
Best for:Best for recent pharmacy/pharmaceutical engineering graduates with strong analytical skills and a passion for translational research in dermatological formulations.
Overview
This MSCA-funded PhD programme offers two fellowships at the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Pharmacy, focusing on advancing pharmaceutical technology for cutaneous formulations. The projects address critical gaps in excipient equivalence and nano-enabled dermal formulations, combining advanced analytical techniques with regulatory science. Candidates will conduct research in a collaborative environment, including mandatory secondments at leading European industry partners (RaDes GmbH, LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG, Galenika, and ESQlabs GmbH). The programme emphasizes translational research, bridging academic expertise with industrial applications to develop regulatory-relevant methodologies for complex dermal delivery systems.
What you'll do
- Develop and validate advanced analytical workflows to assess excipient variability and its impact on formulation performance.
- Conduct research on critical quality attributes of nano-enabled dermal formulations using techniques like LC-MS, FTIR, GPC, DSC, and AFM.
- Investigate the relationship between formulation properties and biopharmaceutical performance using IVRT/IVPT methodologies.
- Collaborate with industrial partners during mandatory secondments to translate research findings into regulatory-relevant guidelines.
- Publish findings in high-impact journals and present results at international conferences.
- Contribute to the development of decision criteria for excipient interchangeability in cutaneous formulations.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (300 ECTS) in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or Industrial Pharmacy
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (or exemption based on nationality or prior English-taught education)
Instruction: English
- Proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, or exemption based on nationality or prior English-taught education)
- Strong analytical and laboratory skills, particularly in pharmaceutical characterization techniques
- Experience with advanced analytical instruments (e.g., LC-MS, FTIR, GPC, DSC, AFM)
- Ability to conduct research in a multidisciplinary environment
- Willingness and ability to travel for mandatory secondments at industry partners
- Applicant must not already hold a doctoral degree
- Candidates with foreign higher education certificates must initiate recognition at the University of Belgrade
- Mobility rule: less than 12 months residency in Serbia in the past 3 years
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-10
Interested candidates must submit their application via email to the designated contact (Ivana Pantelić or Tanja Ilić). The application must include a statement of interest (max 2,500 characters), CV, certificate of university examinations, and a translated final degree certificate. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and may be asked to provide reference letters.
- Statement of interest (max 2,500 characters)
- Curriculum vitae et studiorum
- Certificate of university examinations (with marks)
- Final degree certificate (translated to English)
Contact
Ivana Pantelić / Tanja Ilić· PhD Programme Coordinator / Contact for Applications
ivana.pantelic@pharmacy.bg.ac.rs, tanja.ilic@pharmacy.bg.ac.rs
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