Postdoctoral Researcher Materials Science CCEM (UPC Barcelona): Comparative physicochemical stu[...]

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 45.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading research center in Barcelona seeks a postdoctoral researcher specializing in chemical and materials engineering for a project on anticancer drug formulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in polymer techniques and chemical synthesis, contributing to groundbreaking research aimed at improving drug delivery systems. Candidates should possess a doctoral degree and have a minimum of four years of relevant experience.

Formación

• PhD or equivalent in relevant fields required.
• Excellent English proficiency.
• 4-10 years of research experience preferred.

Responsabilidades

• Formulate and study small-molecule anticancer agents in biocompatible polymers.
• Optimize release profiles in varying pH conditions.
• Assess thermal and physical stability of formulations.

Conocimientos

Knowledge of polymer sample preparation techniques

Sample characterization and analysis

Knowledge in developing functional biomaterials

Experience in organic chemical synthesis

Experience in experimental condensed matter science

Educación

PhD in Engineering

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Physics

Herramientas

Differential scanning calorimetry

Dielectric spectroscopy

Rheometry

3D printing

Descripción del empleo

Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering

Organisation/Company Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya Department Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 1 Sep 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of people under 65 years of age. Anticancer active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) require prolonged administration during relatively long time periods, so that it is highly desirable to employ either a simple intake route (oral administration) or a strategy for sustained release or delivery. Because many APIs are poorly water soluble, these strategies must also improve the dissolution kinetics and apparent solubility of the drug.

The scientific goal in this project is to compare distinct formulation strategies of a model small-molecule anticancer agent and model anticancer peptides in biocompatible polymers of biological origin , with the aim of optimizing the release and solubilization of the API in a body fluid at 37 ºC, either at acidic pH or neutral pH.

For the same choice of binary API-biopolymer system, different formulations will be obtained and studied, namely:

- amorphous solid dispersions obtained by standard techniques (electrospinning, solution casting/spin coating, melt extrusion)

- xerogels obtained by hydrogels entrapping an API solution (by lyophilization or substitution of water with ethanol followed by solvent evaporation)

- crosslinked polymers obtained by covalently linking the API to the polymer chains (where API release will be determined by hydrolysis or pH-induced reactions)

After studying the fundamental physiochemical properties of the various samples, the thermal and physical stability over time will be assessed, as well as the release profiles of the API. The characterization techniques include IR, NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, DSC and dielectric spectroscopy (BDS).

An important outcome of the study will be the correlation between the molecular mobility, amorphous fraction and glass transition temperature in the dry formulation, and the release kinetics in aqueous media. This fundamental study will help identify the best strategy for improving administration of anticancer drugs.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Specific Requirements

Knowledge of polymer sample preparation techniques (spin coating, electrospinning, hot melt extrusion, ball milling, 3D printing, etc.)

Sample characterization and analysis with techniques such as dielectric spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, rheometry/differential mechanical analysis, and solid-state chemical spectroscopy (UV-Vis, IR, NMR).

Knowledge in developing functional biomaterials (e.g. hydrogels) for biomedical applications, including drug delivery.

Experience in organic chemical synthesis and/or polymer modification will be a plus.

Experience in experimental condensed matter science of organic molecular compounds and biocompatible polymers will be evaluated.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages SPANISH Level Basic

Years of Research Experience 4 - 10

Additional Information

Selection process

A complete CV and cover letter are required.

The process starts with a pre-screening of applications. A panel of three independent experts will then short-list three final candidates for evaluation by the center's group committee.

After a candidate is chosen, the HR Department will handle the final selection and hiring, following university regulations.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Barcelona Research Center in Multiescale Science and Engineering Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Barcelona Postal Code 08019 Barcelona Street Campus Diagonal Besòs, Building I, Av. Eduard Maristany, 10-14 Geofield