Host institution: Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (EKUT), Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Dominique Lunter

Co-supervisors: Prof. Snežana Savić, University of Belgrade (Academic); Dr. Michael Herbig, RaDes GmbH (Industrial)

Project description: Rheological properties are key determinants of semi-solid formulation performance, influencing drug release, spreadability and skin interaction. However, their role in regulatory equivalence assessment is not yet clearly defined.

This PhD project focuses on establishing a predictive framework linking rheological behaviour to IVRT and IVPT outcomes. The work will involve the design of formulations with controlled microstructure and viscoelastic properties, followed by detailed rheological characterisation (including flow, oscillatory and structural recovery measurements).

The resulting data will be correlated with drug release and permeation profiles to identify rheological descriptors that are predictive of performance. The project will define standardised testing protocols and acceptance ranges for relevant rheological parameters, contributing to Q3 equivalence assessment in a regulatory context.

Host laboratory: The doctoral candidate will be hosted at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (EKUT), Germany. The laboratory provides advanced infrastructure for rheological characterisation and dermal formulation testing, with strong expertise in linking physicochemical properties to drug delivery performance. The group operates within an interdisciplinary academic-industrial network.

Secondments: This project is carried out in collaboration with the following company partners, and extended mobility to their laboratories is expected during the project: 12 months at RaDes GmbH, Germany (supervisor: Dr. Michael Herbig); 6 months at Tiofarma BV, Netherlands (supervisor: Dr. Thijs Rooimans)

Tentative starting date: 1st Nov 2026

Eligibility conditions: Master’s degree in pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical technology or related fields. Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e not already in possession of a doctoral degree. Mobility rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

Required skills: Profound knowledge on pharmaceutical technology, ideally with prior knowledge on the design and physico-chemical and/or biopharmaceutical characterization of semi-solid formulations for cutaneous use, particularly on rheological characterisation. Affinity with mathematics, data evaluation and statistics. Proficiency in the English language is required (minimum C1 level), as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.

Remuneration: The Doctoral Candidate will receive a gross yearly salary of ~48000 EUR in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme, including a living allowance and a mobility allowance.

Host institution: Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (EKUT), Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Dominique Lunter

Co-supervisors: Prof. Snežana Savić, University of Belgrade (Academic); Dr. Michael Herbig, RaDes GmbH (Industrial)

Project description: Rheological properties are key determinants of semi-solid formulation performance, influencing drug release, spreadability and skin interaction. However, their role in regulatory equivalence assessment is not yet clearly defined.

This PhD project focuses on establishing a predictive framework linking rheological behaviour to IVRT and IVPT outcomes. The work will involve the design of formulations with controlled microstructure and viscoelastic properties, followed by detailed rheological characterisation (including flow, oscillatory and structural recovery measurements).

The resulting data will be correlated with drug release and permeation profiles to identify rheological descriptors that are predictive of performance. The project will define standardised testing protocols and acceptance ranges for relevant rheological parameters, contributing to Q3 equivalence assessment in a regulatory context.

Host laboratory: The doctoral candidate will be hosted at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (EKUT), Germany. The laboratory provides advanced infrastructure for rheological characterisation and dermal formulation testing, with strong expertise in linking physicochemical properties to drug delivery performance. The group operates within an interdisciplinary academic-industrial network.

Secondments: This project is carried out in collaboration with the following company partners, and extended mobility to their laboratories is expected during the project: 12 months at RaDes GmbH, Germany (supervisor: Dr. Michael Herbig); 6 months at Tiofarma BV, Netherlands (supervisor: Dr. Thijs Rooimans)

Tentative starting date: 1st Nov 2026

Eligibility conditions: Master’s degree in pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical technology or related fields. Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e not already in possession of a doctoral degree. Mobility rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

Required skills: Profound knowledge on pharmaceutical technology, ideally with prior knowledge on the design and physico-chemical and/or biopharmaceutical characterization of semi-solid formulations for cutaneous use, particularly on rheological characterisation. Affinity with mathematics, data evaluation and statistics. Proficiency in the English language is required (minimum C1 level), as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.

Remuneration: The Doctoral Candidate will receive a gross yearly salary of ~48000 EUR in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme, including a living allowance and a mobility allowance.