PhD Student - Intranasal treatment and imaging of neurological disorders using nanoparticles

About the Project

As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 19 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Research area or group: Nanostructured Functional Materials

Description of Group/Project: The Nanostructured Functional Materials (Nanosfun) group at ICN2 has a well-established and internationally recognized track record in nanoscale materials for medical applications with expertise that spans essential aspects of nanotechnology, including physicochemical characterization, biofunctionalization, colloidal stabilization in physiological environments, and controlled release mechanisms. Additionally, I) their strong background in photo-/magnetoresponsive materials and II) the recent incorporation of two consolidated researchers from the UAB Chemistry Department with contrasted experience on synthesis, glycans and biostructures, adds a unique dimension to the project.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

The candidate will be involved in activities related to the synthesis, characterization and final validation of nanoparticles/nanocapsules, based on different formulations and following different synthetic approaches. The candidate will be working in a very multidisciplinary project that covers topics such as chemical sytnhesis and functionalization, materials science, characetrization techniques and in vitro/in vivo prototype validation in relevant environments.

The candidate will work as part of an international team and she/he is expected to actively participate and lead part of this project. The tasks to be performed will include:

• Synthesis of nanopaticles, modification and functionalization.
• Chemical characterization by different means (FTIR, UV-Vis, electron microscopies, TGA, NMR, EPR and elemental analysis, among others).
• Morphological characteriztion electron microscopy, (SEM, TEM, etc...), DLS, etc.
• Determine the main features of the nanoparticles: toxicity, colloidal stability, controlled release, etc.
• Perform technical reports, assistance to technical meetings and manage the data storing and analysis (including AI).

Requirements:

Education:

A Bachelor and Master Degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Materials Science or similar.

Knowledge and Professional Experience:

Science and technology of colloids

Characterization techniques

In vitro studies

Biochemistry

Experience in the chemical synthesis and modification of nanoparticles and/or nanocpasules.

Experience in microscopic and spectroscopic characterization techniques (FTIR, UV-vis, EA, TGA, NMR, SEM, TEM, FIB, etc.).

Experience in vitro experiments and biochemistry

Personal Competences:

Excellent communication and writing skills

Fluent in Spanish and English both spoken and written

Intrinsic motivation, strong commitment, responsibility, independence, teamwork skills.

Ability in writing complete technical reports

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: Temporary (4 years)
• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.
• Work-Life Balance and Flexibility with flexible work schedules
• 28 holidays per year
• Flexible compensation plan: tax advantages contracting some products (health insurance, childcare, training, among others.)
• Training activities: languages, mentoring programme, wellbeing programme.
• International environment

Estimated Incorporation date: as soon as possible

How to apply:

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

1. A cover letter.
2. A full CV including contact details.
3. 2 Reference letters or referee contacts.

Applications will be reviewed continuously.

Equal opportunities:

At ICN2 we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination—whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.

Funding Notes

La beca con referencia PREP2024-002664 está financiada por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por el FSE+ y se emmarca dentro del proyecto PID2024-161565OB-C21 “Síntesis, funcionalización, formulación y funcionamiento de dispersiones estables de nanopartículas coloidales para desordenes neurológicos (NANO-NEURO).