PhD Position in Green Microfluidic Manufacturing for Biopharmaceuticals

This PhD position focuses on designing and fabricating protein-loaded polymeric nanoparticles using continuous, green microfluidic manufacturing technologies. Hosted at MyBiotech in Germany as part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions doctoral network, the project aims to improve the stability, bioavailability, and scalability of therapeutic biomolecules. The successful candidate will employ advanced microreactor platforms, biocompatible polymers, and downstream purification methods while collaborating internationally, including a planned secondment at the University of Pisa. The role requires rigorous characterization of nanoparticle formulations and process optimization to support industrial translation.

• Operate and optimize microfluidic reactor systems for the continuous production of protein-loaded polymeric nanoparticles.
• Investigate process-structure-property relationships to establish predictive design frameworks for biopharmaceutical formulations.
• Implement downstream purification techniques, such as Tangential Flow Filtration, to concentrate formulations and remove impurities.
• Characterize nanoparticle size, morphology, and release kinetics using analytical techniques including DLS, TEM, DSC, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Conduct in vitro release and stability assays under physiologically relevant conditions.
• Participate in planned secondments, including advanced physicochemical characterization work at the University of Pisa.
• Collaborate within the MSCA network to translate laboratory developments toward scalable industrial protocols.