Job offer

Context: Biopharmaceuticals-such as proteins, peptides, and biologics-are revolutionizing modern medicine but remain challenging to formulate and deliver due to their structural fragility, instability, and susceptibility to degradation. Polymeric nanoparticle-based delivery systems offer a promising strategy to enhance stability, control release kinetics, and improve bioavailability. However, their production through conventional batch methods often suffers from poor reproducibility, limited scalability, and significant solvent and energy consumption. Objectives: This project aims to develop protein-loaded polymeric nanoparticles using green and continuous microfluidic reactor technologies. These systems will enable precise control over particle size, morphology, and release behaviour while minimizing solvent waste and energy usage. The resulting delivery platforms will provide tuneable, stable, and sustainable carriers for a wide range of therapeutic biomolecules.

Expected results: Protein-loaded polymeric nanoparticles with tuneable size, morphology, and release kinetics, produced by green continuous microfluidic technology; Establishment of process-structure-property relationships for predictive design of nanoparticle-based biopharmaceutical formulations; Environmentally sustainable and scalable manufacturing protocols, reducing solvent use, waste generation, and energy consumption; Improved encapsulation efficiency and stability of therapeutic proteins and peptides, enhancing bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Industrial translation of the developments obtained.

Research Methodology: The doctoral candidate will employ microfluidic reactor systems as eco-efficient, continuous manufacturing tools for the production of protein-loaded polymeric nanoparticles. Microreactor platforms provide precise control over mixing, residence time, and solvent exchange, leading to nanoparticles with narrow size distribution and high reproducibility. Key materials will include biocompatible and biodegradable polymers such as PLGA, PEG, and chitosan derivatives. Process conditions will be optimized for high encapsulation efficiency and protein stability. The influence of microreactor design and operational parameters (channel geometry, flow ratio, solvent polarity) on particle size and drug release will be systematically studied. Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) may be integrated as a downstream purification step to remove non-incorporated materials and concentrate the formulation. Comprehensive characterization will be performed using DLS, TEM, DSC, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, along with in vitro release and stability assays under physiologically relevant conditions., The applicant must comply with the following criteria to be eligible for any project in IDEAS, The application should contain (please adhere to the naming conventions for the documents as laid out in the application form):

• A completed application form (download from https://www.ideas-dn.eu/recruitment/), including an indication which 1-3 preferred laboratories / research projects within IDEAS you would like to join
• Research Exposé: Max. two pages on your previous research (e.g. BSc and/or Master’s thesis). The aim is to evaluate your scientific writing skills and ability to present information in a precise and concise way.
• Your current academic CV (max. 4 pages)
• Your graduation certificate (if available) and academic transcript incl. university grades. Foreign documents must be sent as certified English translations. These documents must show the grades attained in exam periods, when applicable, and evidence that the required degree will be obtained by the expected time of recruitment if it has not already been awarded.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if available)
• Two letters of reference in support of your application + filled out referee form Applicants will be responsible for ensuring that referees submit these letters to coordinator-ideas@univ-lille.fr in time.

All documents must be sent to: coordinator-ideas@univ-lille.fr

Only complete applications sent in will be considered for the selection procedure. The shortlisted candidates at some of the partner institutions might then need to apply also through the institution’s official recruitment channels.

Selection procedure

The IDEAS selection procedure for DCs will be open, transparent, merit-based and in line with the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

The recruitment process consists of an initial written application (see above). Eligible applications will be ranked by a selection committee based on:

• the quality of the applicant’s CV and academic record,
• the quality of the written exposé,
• the motivation of the applicant to join IDEAS and the selected project(s),
• the fulfilment of the required and desired criteria for the selected project(s)
• the applicant’s technical expertise for the selected project(s),
• the referee sheets and letters of recommendation.

Those not selected will be informed. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews at the selected host institution(s), preferably online, or where possible, in person.

Interviewed candidates will be ranked and invited to join IDEAS in order of their ranking. This process may take a few weeks. We will keep a small number of candidates on a reserve list just in case candidates pull out before the final recruitment stage. Successful candidates will be informed as soon as possible after the interview.

Successful candidates will be subsequently enrolled into the PhD programmes of appropriate universities. This is a separate process that may require additional documentation and qualifications such as language tests. These will be made known to candidates.

Master Degree or equivalent, General requirements for admission into IDEAS

• Applicants must be eligible (see eligibility criteria below)
• Applicants must hold a BSc, MSc or equivalent degree in a related subject area, as required by the specific research project (see below).
• Applicants must have the necessary academic skills and background to make the success of a doctoral degree. The skills needed will depend on the project chosen.
• Applicants must be sufficiently proficient in written and spoken English (English CEFR at least B2, preferable C1 or higher. IELTS 6, preferably higher. Project-specific requirements apply).
• DC applicants must fulfil the local requirements of the recruiting institutions.
• Applicants must be eligible to enrol on a PhD programme at the host institution.

Furthermore, all future DCs of IDEAS should demonstrate:

• A high willingness to travel.
• Independent problem-solving skills.
• High resilience and flexibility.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Integrity, team spirit, dedication to science and learning, dependability, punctuality, pro-activity.
• Interest to work in an intersectoral, interdisciplinary team and to learn new techniques, methods etc. also outside their comfort zone.
• A high competence level in scientific writing and public speaking as required by the discipline of the project.
• Proficiency with computers, office, web-based learning.
• Willingness to participate in outreach activities, conferences, extracurricular events etc.

Specific Requirements

• 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.
• Degree in life science (included but not limited to chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, etc) or related field. M.Sc. preferred.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: chemistry, (bio)chemical engineering, pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology, biotechnology
• Practical experience in laboratory environment is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of data analysis and Microsoft Office.
• 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. German knowledge is a plus.

Languages ENGLISH, * Applicants must fulfil the mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. (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.).

• Applicants must not hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.
• Applicants must not have a conflict-of-interest with their future supervisors (family, relationship, economic interest…).

Duration of employment:Limited to 36 months

IDEAS will cover three years of full-time research, but final contract length and extension options will depend on the host institution.