PhD Position in Nanomedicine Formulation Engineering for Cancer Treatment

PhD Position in Nanomedicine Formulation Engineering for Cancer Treatment Job Details | TU Delft

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PhD Position in Nanomedicine Formulation Engineering for Cancer Treatment

Help redefine cancer treatment through nanomedicine.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work at the cutting edge of lipid nanoparticle design & molecular modeling

SPARC (Scalable Personalized Nanotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment) is an ambitious research program dedicated to making advanced cancer therapies more effective and accessible, particularly for patients with hard-to-treat “cold tumors.” By developing personalized nanomedicines, SPARC aims to improve patient survival through innovations such as tumor-on-a-chip platforms that reduce reliance on animal testing, and novel manufacturing technologies that enhance therapeutic efficacy and product stability.

As part of this program, we are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research to join a collaborative project between the Precision Therapeutics group (Dr. Alina Rwei) in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Complex Fluid Processing group (Prof. Johan Padding) in the Department of Process & Energy at Delft University of Technology. The position will be formally embedded within the Precision Therapeutics group.

In this PhD project, you will develop innovative formulation strategies for lipid-based drug delivery nanoparticles, with a particular focus on the design and optimization of externally triggerable lipid nanomedicines. Combining molecular modeling with experimental validation, you will investigate how formulation parameters influence nanoparticle stability, ultrasound triggerability, and biological performance, contributing to the development of precision therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.

The project is embedded in a strong academic–industrial network and offers close collaboration with leading pharmaceutical partners, including Merck KGaA and Johnson & Johnson. The project also involves close interaction with other research teams within the SPARC consortium, working on molecular mechanisms of nanoparticle purification and storage, as well as engineering solutions for downstream processing.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of nanomedicine, molecular modeling, and process engineering, while contributing to the future of personalized cancer therapy.

Lipid-based nanoparticle formulation design & stability optimization

Investigate the impact of lipid composition, cargo type and size, and solvent conditions on nanoparticle performance.

Develop formulation strategies that balance:

Mechanical robustness (required for purification and storage)

Ultrasound responsiveness for triggered drug release

Computational simulations with Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics (CGMD):

Model formulation- and environment-dependent nanoparticle properties (e.g., bending stiffness, surface tension)

Investigate ultrasound triggered release mechanisms

Empirical validation of nanoparticle properties & ultrasound-triggerability in a biologically relevant environment

Empirically validate the simulated nanoparticle properties

Design and evaluate ultrasound triggerability of lipid-based nanoparticles that can activate the tumor microenvironment

Perform in vitro ultrasound-triggered release studies under controlled conditions and validate performance in vitro e.g. tumor-on-chip platforms and in vivo

MSc or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology or related field

Analytical mindset with ability to work across computational and experimental domains

Have excellent communication skills in English, and want to work in a multidisciplinary team

Experience in lipid-based nanoparticle formulations and/or coarse-grained molecular dynamic simulations is a plus

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click  here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service , offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (soc