Belgium : Phd position in biopharmacy and pharmaceutical technology

In biopharmacy and pharmaceutical technology, intensive research is aimed at developing ‘intelligent’ nanoscopic particles that are capable of efficiently delivering drugs to target cells. In the field of gene therapy, special interest goes to nanoparticles containing nucleic acids, such as plasmid DNA and small interference RNA. Such nanoparticles, typically having a size in the order of 100 nm, are created by spontaneous electrostatic complexation of the anionic nucleic acids with cationic carrier materials, such as cationic lipids or polymers. The carrier materials have to fulfil several requirements in order for the nanoparticles to efficiently transfect the target cells. Besides efficiently encapsulating the nucleic acids, they also have to provide protection against degradation during the entire delivery process. Furthermore, the nanoparticles should not aggregate e.g. after intravenous injection. Nor should the nanoparticles release the nucleic acids while being suspended in the blood circulation or when traversing the extracellular space. Release of the nucleic acids should only occur after being internalized in the target cells. Despite the tremendous possibilities for the treatment of many diseases, progress in nucleic acid therapy is very slow. One of the important causes is the lack of suitable methods to study the physicochemical characteristics of nanomedicines in the relevant biological media. By using advanced microscopy methods like fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, single particle tracking and fluorescence nanoscopy, this project aims at obtaining a more fundamental insight into the structure and the biophysical properties of nucleic acid nanoparticles in the biological media in which they end up after administration.

Tasks.

 The successful applicant will perform research with respect to the project described above. At the end of this 4 year doctoral research position a Ph.D. thesis must be written to obtain the degree of Doctor in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

More information can be found at http://www.ugent.be/fw/nl/vacatures/biophotonic.pdf/view

Profile

The position is open to highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the border of several fields: nanotechnology, biopharmaceutics and biophotonics. Eligible candidates must have a master degree (or equivalent) in pharmacy, biotechnology, bioscience engineering or (bio)physics. Also students that will graduate in the academic year 2009-2010 are eligible to apply for the position.

Apply

Please send a motivation letter and CV to Prof. Dr. K. Braeckmans at Kevin.Braeckmans@UGent.be

Further Information

Application Deadline : 10 September 2010

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Posted on 2010-07-17 06:58:38

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