pDICI - Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering /ppOrganisation/Company University of Pisa Department DICI - Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering Research Field Engineering » Biomaterial engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Technology » Pharmaceutical technology Technology » Materials technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number MSCA-DN IDEAS-DC14-UniPI Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No /ph3Offer Description /h3pbIDEAS - Improving drug efficacy with next-generation amorphous materials and trained experts. /b /ppThe Marie-Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA DN): “Improving drug efficacy with next-generation amorphous materials and trained experts”, (IDEAS) funded by the European Community is brecruiting 15 young researchers /b, as described here: /ppThe doctoral candidates (DCs) will be trained not only to perform original and independent research on an internationally competitive level, but also in developing creative, critical and entrepreneurial mindsets, to be prepared for a wide spectrum of career opportunities. /ppThe IDEAS Doctoral Network is designed to empower a new generation of young scientists in the field of amorphous pharmaceutical systems, strengthening Europe’s biotech/pharma industry and academic innovation capacity. This effort demands a unified project bringing together the cross-disciplinary expertise of academic research groups in materials science, physics, chemistry, and pharmacy, alongside industry partners. The network comprises a consortium of 7 universities (University of Lille, University of Pisa, University of Silesia in Katowice, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Université Catholique de Louvain, Trinity College Dublin, NOVA University of Lisbon), 2 large companies (Janssen Pharmaceutica, Zentiva) and 1 SME (MyBiotech). Through this programme, the fellows will collaborate to develop eco-friendly manufacturing technologies for amorphous materials, establish science-based control over material properties, and explore a wide range of materials to achieve efficient production of high-quality amorphous formulations. This advanced research-driven training will be further enriched with dedicated training events (e.g., online and in-person workshops, summer schools) and intersectoral and interdisciplinary mobility through secondments. After having completed their studies and the IDEAS programme, this innovative and multidisciplinary training will qualify this new generation of scientists not only for an academic career, but also for working in industry and beyond. /ppNote that all of projects have their individual job advertisement. Candidates can apply for a maximum of THREE projects. The DCs will be employed by the host institution of the selected project and enrolled in the host organisation’s or affiliated university’s PhD programme. /ppbThis offer is for the Doctoral Candidate position n. 14 (DC14) within the IDEAS network /b /ppbAPPLICATION DEADLINE: /b /ph3General job description /h3ullimanage and carry out the individual research project; /liliparticipate in the IDEAS training and network activities; /lilitake PhD courses; /liliwrite scientific articles and the PhD thesis; /liliparticipate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings; /liliresearch stay at external research laboratories or company sites; /lilidisseminate the research outcomes; /liliparticipate in the undergraduate teaching of students. /li /ulpbDC 14 at UniPI (Italy) - 4D Biopharmaceuticals with electromagnetically activated functionalities. /b /ppbSupervisory Team: /bProf. Serena Danti (University of Pisa), Prof. Giuseppe Gallone (University of Pisa) /ppbContext:



/bEmerging “4D biopharmaceuticals” represent the next generation of smart therapeutic systems capable of responding dynamically to external stimuli. Among these, photo-responsive polymeric materials offer unique opportunities for spatiotemporal control of drug release, molecular conformation, and therapeutic activity. Near-infrared (NIR) light is particularly attractive for biomedical use due to its deep tissue penetration and non-invasive activation potential. /ppbObjectives /b: This project aims to develop polymer-based materials and hybrid structures ranging from nanoscale carriers to macroscale scaffolds with electromagnetically activated functionalities responsive to NIR irradiation. These materials will enable controlled, on-demand drug release and adaptive therapeutic performance, establishing the foundation for 4D biopharmaceutical platforms that integrate material responsiveness, biocompatibility, and precision functionality. /ppbExpected results: /b Novel polymer-based photo-responsive materials exhibiting controlled and reversible activation under NIR light; Multi-scale structures (nano to macro) enabling spatiotemporally controlled drug release or therapeutic activation; Fundamental understanding of electromagnetic activation mechanisms in polymeric matrices and their relationship to molecular mobility and release kinetics; Demonstration of 4D biopharmaceutical platforms combining stimuli-responsiveness, biocompatibility, and functional adaptability. /ppbResearch Methodology: /b The doctoral candidate will design photo-responsive polymer networks incorporating NIR-absorbing chromophores or plasmonic nanomaterials (e.g., gold or carbon/ceramic-based nanoparticles) as activation components. Synthesis will involve controlled polymerization and functionalization techniques (e.g., RAFT, ATRP, click chemistry) to introduce light-sensitive moieties and crosslinkable segments. The materials will be processed into multiscale structures—such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, and porous scaffolds—using 3D printing, electrospinning, and emulsion templating. Structural and functional characterization will include UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM/TEM, rheology, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Drug loading and light-triggered release will be evaluated under simulated physiological conditions using photo-irradiation setups, while biocompatibility assays will assess the materials’ suitability for biomedical use. /ppbPlanned secondments: /b /pulliProf. R. Macovez (Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain - 5 months). To perform under various conditions studies of the physical properties of prepared systems and tests aimed at assessing how the used additives modify the physical properties of the API. /liliDr. S. Linari ( Linari Engineering s.r.l., Italy - 5 months). Use advanced (pilot-scale) spinning equipment for building fibrous polymeric structures with various engineered textures and incorporating specific photo-responsive agents. /li /ulpbExtent of employment: /bFull time /ppbDuration of employment: /bLimited to 36 months /ppbRemuneration: /bThis doctoral position DC14 is fully funded by the Marie Skłodowska Curie Action Industrial Doctorate bIDEAS /b (HORIZON – MSCA – 2025 – DN-01-01). The monthly gross salary including salaries, social security contributions, taxes and other costs included in the remuneration under the employment contract for the doctoral candidate will comprise a living allowance of € 3820/month, and a mobility allowance of € 710/month. If the doctoral candidate meets the related eligibility requirements set out in the Grant Agreement,



other allowances (e.g. family allowance) will be implemented. /ppbGeneral requirements for admission into IDEAS /b /pulliApplicants must hold a MSc or equivalent in the field required for the corresponding vacancy. Applicants holding only a BSc degree may also be eligible to apply for some of the positions (DC9 and DC10). /liliDegree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline. For detailed requirements, see the project description of your choice. /liliExperience with experimental and/or computational methods and research. /liliInterest on pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical materials /liliAppreciation for interdisciplinary work and proactive drive to collaborate across disciplines. /liliProficient in the English language (B2 minimum) /liliApplicants must be eligible to enrol on a PhD programme at the host institution (or at a designated university in case the host institution is a non-academic organisation). /liliApplicants must have the necessary academic skills and background to make the success of a doctoral degree. /li /ulpSpecific Requirements /ppbAdditional requirements and experience required for the research project DC14 at UniPI /b /pulliThe 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. /liliApplicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or related disciplines. /liliPrevious experience with experimental research in Materials Science and Engineering is preferred. /liliBasic knowledge of data analysis and office software suites is required. /liliBasic coding/modeling/simulation abilities and basic knowledge of electronics (circuits, sensors, transducers) are preferred. /liliGood organisation and communication skills, willing to travel for short or longer periods. /liliFlexible and co-operative with a well-structured and autonomous working style. /liliFluency in written and spoken English is a must. Knowledge of Italian is a plus. /li /ulpLanguages ENGLISH Level Excellent /ph3Additional Information /h3pEligibility criteria /ppThe applicant must comply with the following criteria to be eligible for any project in IDEAS: /pulliSupported researchers must be Doctoral Candidates (DCs), meaning that they bmust not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment /b. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible. /liliRecruited researchers may be of any nationality and bmust comply with the MSCA mobility rule /b. At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting participant for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before recruitment. 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. /lilibSecondment Readiness: /b Candidates must be fully willing and able to relocate internationally for secondments (research stays) at other academic or industrial partner institutions within the network. /liliApplicants bmust not have a conflict-of-interest /b with their future supervisors (family, relationship, economic interest…). /li /ulpbApplication deadline for DC14: /bApplications after this date may be accepted until all positions are filled. /ppbStart date for doctoral candidate DC14: /b /ppNumber of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Pisa - Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering Country Italy State/Province PI City Pisa Postal Code 56122 Street Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 2 Geofield /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 PhD Position Available – MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS - Position: 4D Biopharmaceuticals with electromagnetically activated functionalities (Italia)
🏢 University of Pisa
📍 Italia