Three (3) PhD Positions for the MSCA European Training Network NANOMED, Radboud University, Netherlands (2016)

Prof. Jan van Hest’s research group at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands) offers a programme of training in the field of bio-organic chemistry. The group’s target is to create bio-inspired materials and processes in order to combine the functionality of biological systems with the flexibility and robustness of synthetic structures, using a variety of synthetic techniques, such as protein engineering, peptide synthesis and controlled polymerization methods. The NANOMED project will provide training across a wide range of disciplines including biology, pharmacology, chemistry and material sciences, ensuring interdisciplinary and intersectoral experience. You will be enrolled in Radboud University’s doctoral programme and will defend your PhD at the end of the project. The PhD research in the Netherlands will be conducted in English.
Prof. Jan van Hest's research group is looking for three PhD Candidates.

PhD Candidate 1: In this ESR task a strategy will be followed to construct biodegradable polymer vesicles (polymersomes) as drug delivery vehicles. The polymersomes are assembled from poly(caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymers using a straightforward and water-based route. The molecular weight dependence of the block copolymers on polymersome formation, the scalability of the method and the size control that can be attained will be studied. The hydrophobic domain will be tailored via copolymerization to the desired degradation behaviour. Furthermore, a methodology for the introduction of biological targeting motifs will be developed. Finally, the polymersomes will be assessed for their drug delivery efficacy.

PhD Candidate 2: In this task, a protein engineering approach will be followed to construct a series of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) block copolymers, which will assemble into polymer micelles. High cell density fermentation will be employed to improve the availability of the ELP particles. The ELP micelles will be stabilized and decorated with targeting motifs to make directed drug delivery possible. Release of conjugated (hydrophobic) drugs will be achieved by the usage of hydrolytically sensitive linkers.

PhD Candidate 3: The objective of this ESR project is to establish the effect polymersome shape has on cell uptake and drug release. Different shapes lead to different interaction surfaces between cells and particles. This will affect cell uptake and particle biodistribution.

Particles with disc-like and oblate shapes will be produced via dialysis-induced osmotic pressure; tubular polymersomes will be obtained via fast membrane cross-linking. All particles are composed of biodegradable block copolymers. The effect of shape on drug delivery will be investigated. You will perform your PhD research in a multidisciplinary Initial Training Network (ITN) project called NANOMED.
Requirements
PhD Candidate 1: polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, nanoscience and affinity with life sciences research;
PhD Candidate 2: protein engineering, nanoscience, bioconjugation chemistry and affinity with life sciences research;
PhD Candidate 3: polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, nanoscience and affinity with life sciences research.

At the time of recruitment you must be in the first four years of your research career and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. You have excellent communication skills and are able to work efficiently in a team.

Specific technical requirements are mentioned separately for the individual ESR descriptions. Recruitment is open to all nationalities, but because of mobility rules defined by the EU, at the time of recruitment, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the reference date (compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account).

Further details:
http://www.academictransfer.com