MSCA - Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) on “Camouflaged nanocarriers to overcome biological barriers and for targeted drug delivery”

Research project description

The present project aims at formulating and evaluating biomimetic formulation for targeted drug delivery. Biomimetic features will be provided by cell membrane coating for cell specific targeting and for improved bioavailability. The project will first focus on chemical functionalization of polymers and lipid selection, followed by drug delivery formulation by microfluidic assisted preparation. Occurred camouflage will be assessed mainly by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and fluorescence immunostaining of membrane associated proteins. In vitro cell culturing models and biopharmaceutical evaluations will be performed in view of preclinical animal evaluation.

The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team with PhD students involved nanocarriers for drug delivery. The laboratory facilities include chemistry lab, physico-chemical and spectroscopic characterization, cell lab facilities, spray drying, freeze drying, microfluidic facilities, NGI coupled to breathing simulator. In the cell culturing lab, 3D cell culture models of biological barriers such as: respiratory, blood-brain, ocular, dermal and intestinal under both healthy and pathological conditions are available. After acquiring ethical approval and formal authorization, permeation studies across isolated tissues are also feasible.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications (11th September 2024). Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply.

At the call deadline, the applicant must have a maximum of 8 years experience in research, from the date of the award of their PhD degree. Years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe.

Mobility Rule: The applicant may be of any nationality but must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy (for European Fellowships) or the host organization for the outgoing phase (in case of Global Fellowship) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before 11th September 2024.

Application procedure

Expressions of interest must be sent by email to anna.piras@unipi.it no later than the end of May and must consist of two pdf files:

1. Complete and updated CV, clearly demonstrating all 3 eligibility requirements.
2. Motivation letter, maximum one page.