PhD Position Synthesis and Application of Radiation-triggered Block Copolymer Micelles

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a PhD position focusing on the synthesis and application of radiation-triggered block copolymer micelles. The project spans design, synthesis, and testing of polymer systems able to encapsulate immunotherapeutic agents and release cargo under irradiation.

You will develop a library of polymers, explore degradation kinetics, and perform initial cell studies within a collaborative environment involving the Chemical Engineering and

Qualifications

• MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or equivalent.
• Proven expertise in multistep organic synthesis.
• Experience in purification and characterization of organic molecules.
• Experience in polymer synthesis, polymer characterization and physical chemistry desirable.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• High level of written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize and characterize radiation-sensitive block copolymers that self-assemble into micelles.
• Test their ability to encapsulate and release immunotherapeutic agents.
• Develop a library of block copolymers with variations in block length and structure.
• Assess radiation-induced polymer degradation and cargo release; run initial cell studies.

Skills

Multistep organic synthesis

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

English proficiency

Teamwork

Education

MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or equivalent

Job description

As part of a large national consortium aimed at the development of nanoparticle-based immunotherapy for cancer treatment, you will design, synthesize and characterize radiation-sensitive block copolymers that self-assemble into micelles, and test their ability to encapsulate and release immunotherapeutic agents. You will develop a library of block copolymers with variations in polymer block length and structure, as well as the radiation-sensitive linker. You will assess the efficiency of radiation-induced polymer degradation and cargo release, as well as initial cell studies. The project will be carried out as a collaboration between the groups of prof. Rienk Eelkema (Chemical Engineering) and prof. Antonia Denkova (Radiation Science and Technology).

PhD Position Synthesis and Application of Radiation-triggered Block Copolymer Micelles

Job requirements

• You have an MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or equivalent
• You have proven expertise in multistep organic synthesis
• You have experience in purification and characterization of organic molecules
• Experience in polymer synthesis, polymer characterization and physical chemistry are desirable
• You work well in a team
• You have a high level of written and spoken English

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, you will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences

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. 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.

Conditions of employment

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 €3204 - €4051 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.

• Hours per week: 36-40
• FTE: 1,0
• 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 (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.