PhD student in Drug Nanocarriers

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University. The Research spans all areas of chemistry such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry and organic chemistry. The research projects are many from theory to experiment, from basic research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry but also advanced analytical methods of chemicals and materials. The department has a very well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment with qualified support from staff scientists.

The department also hosts the Bachelor's degree programme in chemistry and three Master's programmes: analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. PhD programmes are conducted in five areas: analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and the Department of Organic Chemistry.

Subject area

The PhD student will work in the Research Group of Associate Professor Georgios A. Sotiriou (https://sotirioulab.org) located at the Department of Chemistry and Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab). The co-supervisor is Associate Professor Hanna Bariga from KTH Stockholm and SciLifeLab.

Project title: Flame-made nanoaggregates as drug nanocarriers.

Project description: Drug nanocarriers today rely primarily on lipid-based nanoparticles. However, these particles have limitations, for example they suffer from low drug loadings. In this project, we will explore the potential of flame-made inorganic nanoparticles as drug nanocarriers and their incorporation in lipid-based nanoparticles. We will utilize flame spray pyrolysis to produce the nanoparticles and we will study in detail their physicochemical properties. We will link these characteristics to the achieved drug loadings and optimize the nanoparticle synthesis process conditions to maximise the drug loading. We will start with passive nanocarriers (e.g. Calcium Phosphate) and move one to active nanocarriers, such as Cerium oxide or Gallium-based nanoparticles. The project includes:

• Production of nanoparticles by flame aerosol synthesis.
• Physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles.
• Loading of various drugs (small molecules, biomolecules, nucleic acids) on the nanocarriers.
• In vitro efficacy evaluation with cell and bacterial cultures.
• Ex vivo and in vivo assessment of performance for target application.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements are described in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of chemistry.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English.

The candidate should hold a MSc in Chemical and/or Process Engineering, Nanotechnology, Engineering Physics or similar field. Experience in flame aerosol processes, nanoparticle technology and solid state characterization is desirable. Further experience with bacterial and cell cultures is considered a plus.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact the PI Georgios Sotiriou, georgios.sotiriou@su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.