PhD on Active nanoparticles for direct cytosolic delivery of RNA

The Bio-organic chemistry group at Eindhoven University of Technology has a longstanding tradition in the construction of polymer-based nanomedicines. The main objective of DC8 will be to construct polymer-based nanoparticles with a motor function that can actively deliver nucleic acid therapeutics into living cells. DC8 will be working on the preparation of the polymer building blocks, their self-assembly into bowl-shaped vesicles with motile features and their loading with therapeutic cargo. Furthermore, cell uptake experiments will be undertaken. This project will also include secondments at University of Ghent and Warwick University.

Nanomedicine has been a field of science that has strongly developed over the past decades. With the  global application of the COVID vaccines its high potential has been shown. Still, most nanoparticles are suboptimal in their operation. This is often caused by the different biological barriers they are facing. One important issue is how to deliver the therapeutics into the cytosol of the cell, by directly crossing the cell membrane.  You will be working on a revolutionary approach in which you will use nanomotors that can push themselves across this barrier. You will use your creativity in nanoscience to develop these particles and design effective cargo releases methods. In collaboration you will test their biological activity. You will be working in the bio-organic chemistry group, which is part of the chemical biology cluster of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Here you will find support from our team of researchers active in nanomedicine. Furthermore you will be actively involved in the NATPRIME doctoral network, which accommodates in total 20 doctoral candidates (https://www.natprime.org/).

Further information on the research interests of the Van Hest Bio-Organic Chemistry can be found on their website:
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/macromolecular-and-organi...

Requirements:

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Polymer Chemistry or Molecular Pharmaceutics.
• A demonstrated knowledge of at least three of the following: organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry.
• Experience with cell biology and / or pharmaceutical research is considered a plus.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70