PhD Position Available – MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS - Position DC14: 4D Biopharmaceuticals with electromagnetically activated functionalities

University of Pisa; Italia; Sur place; EUR 46 000 - 55 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

University of Pisa is hosting the IDEAS Doctoral Candidate position (DC14) within the MSCA-IDEAS network. The role is full-time and funded for 36 months, with a monthly gross salary of €3820 plus a mobility allowance of €710.

Assigned to the 4D biopharmaceuticals project under Supervisory Team Prof. Serena Danti and Prof. Giuseppe Gallone, you will develop photo-responsive polymer materials and pursue PhD courses.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (MSc) or equivalent in a relevant field is required.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific computing is expected.
• Strong organisational and communication skills desired.

Responsabilités

• Manage and carry out the individual research project.
• Participate in IDEAS training and network activities.
• Take PhD courses.
• Publish scientific articles and PhD thesis.
• Present at national and international congresses.
• Stay for research stays at external labs or company sites.
• Disseminate research outcomes.
• Contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Connaissances

English (B2)

Data analysis basics

Coding / modelling

Organizational skills

Willing to travel

Italian knowledge (plus)

Formation

MSc or equivalent in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy or related

Description du poste

DICI - Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering

Organisation/Company University of Pisa Department DICI - Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering Research Field Engineering » Biomaterial engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Technology » Pharmaceutical technology Technology » Materials technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number MSCA-DN IDEAS-DC14-UniPI Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101312168 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

IDEAS - Improving drug efficacy with next-generation amorphous materials and trained experts.

The Marie-Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA DN): “Improving drug efficacy with next-generation amorphous materials and trained experts”, (IDEAS) funded by the European Community is recruiting 15 young researchers, as described here: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/474248

The doctoral candidates (DCs) will be trained not only to perform original and independent research on an internationally competitive level, but also in developing creative, critical and entrepreneurial mindsets, to be prepared for a wide spectrum of career opportunities.

The IDEAS Doctoral Network is designed to empower a new generation of young scientists in the field of amorphous pharmaceutical systems, strengthening Europe’s biotech/pharma industry and academic innovation capacity. This effort demands a unified project bringing together the cross-disciplinary expertise of academic research groups in materials science, physics, chemistry, and pharmacy, alongside industry partners. The network comprises a consortium of 7 universities (University of Lille, University of Pisa, University of Silesia in Katowice, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Université Catholique de Louvain, Trinity College Dublin, NOVA University of Lisbon), 2 large companies (Janssen Pharmaceutica, Zentiva) and 1 SME (MyBiotech). Through this programme, the fellows will collaborate to develop eco-friendly manufacturing technologies for amorphous materials, establish science-based control over material properties, and explore a wide range of materials to achieve efficient production of high-quality amorphous formulations. This advanced research-driven training will be further enriched with dedicated training events (e.g., online and in-person workshops, summer schools) and intersectoral and interdisciplinary mobility through secondments. After having completed their studies and the IDEAS programme, this innovative and multidisciplinary training will qualify this new generation of scientists not only for an academic career, but also for working in industry and beyond.

Note that all of projects have their individual job advertisement. Candidates can apply for a maximum of THREE projects. The DCs will be employed by the host institution of the selected project and enrolled in the host organisation’s or affiliated university’s PhD programme.

This offer is for the Doctoral Candidate position n. 14 (DC14) within the IDEAS network

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30.11.2026

General job description

• manage and carry out the individual research project;
• participate in the IDEAS training and network activities;
• take PhD courses;
• write scientific articles and the PhD thesis;
• participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings;
• research stay at external research laboratories or company sites;
• disseminate the research outcomes;
• participate in the undergraduate teaching of students.

DC 14 at UniPI (Italy) - 4D Biopharmaceuticals with electromagnetically activated functionalities.

Supervisory Team:Prof. Serena Danti (University of Pisa), Prof. Giuseppe Gallone (University of Pisa)

Context: Emerging “4D biopharmaceuticals” represent the next generation of smart therapeutic systems capable of responding dynamically to external stimuli. Among these, photo-responsive polymeric materials offer unique opportunities for spatiotemporal control of drug release, molecular conformation, and therapeutic activity. Near-infrared (NIR) light is particularly attractive for biomedical use due to its deep tissue penetration and non-invasive activation potential.

Objectives: This project aims to develop polymer-based materials and hybrid structures ranging from nanoscale carriers to macroscale scaffolds with electromagnetically activated functionalities responsive to NIR irradiation. These materials will enable controlled, on-demand drug release and adaptive therapeutic performance, establishing the foundation for 4D biopharmaceutical platforms that integrate material responsiveness, biocompatibility, and precision functionality.

Expected results: Novel polymer-based photo-responsive materials exhibiting controlled and reversible activation under NIR light; Multi-scale structures (nano to macro) enabling spatiotemporally controlled drug release or therapeutic activation; Fundamental understanding of electromagnetic activation mechanisms in polymeric matrices and their relationship to molecular mobility and release kinetics; Demonstration of 4D biopharmaceutical platforms combining stimuli-responsiveness, biocompatibility, and functional adaptability.

Research Methodology: The doctoral candidate will design photo-responsive polymer networks incorporating NIR-absorbing chromophores or plasmonic nanomaterials (e.g., gold or carbon/ceramic-based nanoparticles) as activation components. Synthesis will involve controlled polymerization and functionalization techniques (e.g., RAFT, ATRP, click chemistry) to introduce light-sensitive moieties and crosslinkable segments. The materials will be processed into multiscale structures—such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, and porous scaffolds—using 3D printing, electrospinning, and emulsion templating. Structural and functional characterization will include UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM/TEM, rheology, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Drug loading and light-triggered release will be evaluated under simulated physiological conditions using photo-irradiation setups, while biocompatibility assays will assess the materials’ suitability for biomedical use.

Planned secondments:

• Prof. R. Macovez (Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain - 5 months). To perform under various conditions studies of the physical properties of prepared systems and tests aimed at assessing how the used additives modify the physical properties of the API.
• Dr. S. Linari ( Linari Engineering s.r.l., Italy - 5 months). Use advanced (pilot-scale) spinning equipment for building fibrous polymeric structures with various engineered textures and incorporating specific photo-responsive agents.

Extent of employment: Full time

Duration of employment: Limited to 36 months

Remuneration: This doctoral position DC14 is fully funded by the Marie Skłodowska Curie Action Industrial Doctorate IDEAS (HORIZON – MSCA – 2025 – DN-01-01). The monthly gross salary including salaries, social security contributions, taxes and other costs included in the remuneration under the employment contract for the doctoral candidate will comprise a living allowance of € 3820/month, and a mobility allowance of € 710/month. If the doctoral candidate meets the related eligibility requirements set out in the Grant Agreement, other allowances (e.g. family allowance) will be implemented.

General requirements for admission into IDEAS

• Applicants must hold a MSc or equivalent in the field required for the corresponding vacancy. Applicants holding only a BSc degree may also be eligible to apply for some of the positions (DC9 and DC10).
• Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline. For detailed requirements, see the project description of your choice.
• Experience with experimental and/or computational methods and research.
• Interest on pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical materials
• Appreciation for interdisciplinary work and proactive drive to collaborate across disciplines.
• Proficient in the English language (B2 minimum)
• Applicants must be eligible to enrol on a PhD programme at the host institution (or at a designated university in case the host institution is a non-academic organisation).
• Applicants must have the necessary academic skills and background to make the success of a doctoral degree.

Specific Requirements

Additional requirements and experience required for the research project DC14 at UniPI

• The candidate must not be already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
• Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or related disciplines.
• Previous experience with experimental research in Materials Science and Engineering is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of data analysis and office software suites is required.
• Basic coding/modeling/simulation abilities and basic knowledge of electronics (circuits, sensors, transducers) are preferred.
• Good organisation and communication skills, willing to travel for short or longer periods.
• Flexible and co-operative with a well-structured and autonomous working style.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is a must. Knowledge of Italian is a plus.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

The applicant must comply with the following criteria to be eligible for any project in IDEAS:

• Supported researchers must be Doctoral Candidates (DCs), meaning that they must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
• Recruited researchers may be of any nationality and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule. At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting participant for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.
• Secondment Readiness: Candidates must be fully willing and able to relocate internationally for secondments (research stays) at other academic or industrial partner institutions within the network.
• Applicants must not have a conflict-of-interest with their future supervisors (family, relationship, economic interest…).

Application deadline for DC14: 30.11.2026 Applications after this date may be accepted until all positions are filled.

Start date for doctoral candidate DC14: 01.03.2027

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Pisa - Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering Country Italy State/Province PI City Pisa Postal Code 56122 Street Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 2 Geofield