22 Oct 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/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: [contact details available in the full listing]
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
IDEAS - Improving drug efficacy with next-generation amorphous materials and trained experts.
The 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 recruiting 15 young researchers.
The 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.
The 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.
See also https://ideas-msca.eu/ for more details.
Note 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.
This offer is for the Doctoral Candidate position n. 14 (DC14) within the IDEAS network
APPLICATION DEADLINE: [contact details available in the full listing]
General job description
- manage and carry out the individual research project;
- participate in the IDEAS training and network activities;
- take PhD courses;
- write scientific articles and the PhD thesis;
- participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings;
- research stay at external research laboratories or company sites;
- disseminate the research outcomes;
- participate in the undergraduate teaching of students.
Research project description
DC 14 at UniPI (Italy) - 4D Biopharmaceuticals with electromagnetically activated functionalities.
Supervisory Team: Prof. Serena Danti (University of Pisa), Prof. Giuseppe Gallone (University of Pisa)
Context: Emerging “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.
Objectives: 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.
Expected results: 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.
Research Methodology: 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.
Planned secondments:
- Prof. 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.
- Dr. 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.
Starting date: 1 March 2027
Extent of employment: Full time
Duration of employment: Limited to 36 months
Remuneration: This doctoral position DC14 is fully funded by the Marie Skłodowska Curie Action Industrial Doctorate IDEAS (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.
For more info on MSCA-DN visit the website https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks
Where to apply
Website: https://ideas-msca.eu/open-positions/
Requirements
Skills/Qualifications
General requirements for admission into IDEAS
- Applicants 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).
- Degree 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.
- Experience with experimental and/or computational methods and research.
- Interest on pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical materials
- Appreciation for interdisciplinary work and proactive drive to collaborate across disciplines.
- Proficient in the English language (B2 minimum)
- Applicants 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).
- Applicants must have the necessary academic skills and background to make the success of a doctoral degree.
Specific Requirements
Additional requirements and experience required for the research project DC14 at UniPI
- 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.
- Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or related disciplines.
- Previous experience with experimental research in Materials Science and Engineering is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of data analysis and office software suites is required.
- Basic coding/modeling/simulation abilities and basic knowledge of electronics (circuits, sensors, transducers) are preferred.
- 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. Knowledge of Italian is a plus.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
The applicant must comply with the following criteria to be eligible for any project in IDEAS:
- Supported researchers must be Doctoral Candidates (DCs), meaning that they must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
- Recruited researchers may be of any nationality and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule. 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.
- Secondment Readiness: Candidates must be fully willing and able to relocate internationally for secondments (research stays) at other academic or industrial partner institutions within the network.
- Applicants must not have a conflict-of-interest with their future supervisors (family, relationship, economic interest…).
Selection process
Application
To apply, please send an email to [contact details available in the full listing] with all the required documents. Please title the email: “IDEAS application [YOUR LAST NAME, YOUR FIRST NAME]”.
Applicants are requested to submit their application for one to three positions (DCs) within IDEAS electronically (docx of pdf format).
The application should contain (please adhere to the naming conventions for the documents as laid out in the application form):
- A completed application form, 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. 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 final graduation certificate 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.
- 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 [contact details available in the full listing] in time.
- A Valid ID & proof of eligibility.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if available).
All documents must be sent to: [contact details available in the full listing]
Only complete applications sent in will be considered for the selection procedure.
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 and the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network requirements.
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.
Application deadline for DC14: [contact details available in the full listing] Applications after this date may be accepted until all positions are filled.
Start date for doctoral candidate DC14: [contact details available in the full listing]
Website for additional job details: https://ideas-msca.eu
Work Location(s)
Number 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
Contact
Website: https://ideas-msca.eu/
