PhD Targeted Bio-Orthogonal Catalysis

Bio-orthogonal catalysis merges traditional transition-metal based chemistry with the new and exciting topic of bio-orthogonal chemistry, ie performing chemical reaction in complex cellular media. The Supramolecular Chemistry and Catalysis group (see for more information: https://palmanslab.nl/) at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry of the TU Eindhoven is looking for a PhD student to develop novel bio-orthogonal catalysts based on single chain polymeric nanoparticles (SCPNs) that comprise a targeting function to enhance their effectiveness in prodrug activation. The aim is to activate the prodrug in the vicinity of diseased tissue by guiding and accumulating the catalyst to the selected sites. We therefore need to develop stable and active SCPN-based catalysts attached to targeting moieties that accumulate around specific cell types. By using 3D chips, the movement of the nanoparticles though different barriers will be investigated, and catalyst activity and stability can be assessed in complex environments. In addition, the targeting capabilities can be evaluated. The results will contribute to better understand which TMC-based catalysts can activate prodrugs in real life conditions, which is currently a great challenge. The results will also contribute to develop more selective and effective cancer therapies. The research will take place within the multidisciplinary environment of the Institute of Complex  Molecular Systems (ICMS) and is at the interface of organic/polymer chemistry and biology.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Molecular Sciences, or related discipline.
• Solid background in organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry and a keen interest/experience in performing cell studies.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in working in a collaborative environment.
• Good communication skills, fluency in English (written and oral).
• A strong motivation to do original, challenging, fundamental research in an interdisciplinary team.
• Motivation to develop coaching and teaching skills.

The candidate is expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis in 4 years and will disseminate the results through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

Salary Benefits:

• A challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious, multidisciplinary research team which is embedded in the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) at Eindhoven University of Technology.
• 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. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• 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

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