29 Oct 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Trinity College Dublin
- Department: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Research Field: Pharmacological sciences » Pharmacy; Chemistry » Physical chemistry; Technology » Pharmaceutical technology
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
- Country: Ireland
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Mar 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA
- Reference Number: IDEAS-DC9-TCD
- 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
3-year PhD position financed in the framework of the MSCA Doctoral Network IDEAS
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 9 – Hybrid eutectic-polymer systems for ASDs of high melting APIs
Context: High-melting and poorly processable active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) present persistent challenges in the formulation of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), often requiring harsh thermal or solvent-based processes that compromise stability, scalability and environmental sustainability. Eutectic systems, comprising combinations of safe, biocompatible hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, offer a novel route to reduce effective melting points, enhance solvation and enable low-temperature processing.
Objectives: This project aims to develop hybrid eutectic–polymer systems as next-generation ASD matrices that combine the plasticisation capacity of eutectics with the stabilising and mechanical properties of polymers. The research will establish fundamental design principles and mechanistic understanding of how eutectic–polymer interactions modulate amorphisation, stability and drug release in challenging APIs.
Expected results: Identification of hybrid eutectic-polymer systems capable of effectively amorphising high-melting or poorly soluble APIs; Mechanistic understanding of how eutectic-polymer interactions influence solubility, miscibility, molecular mobility, and long-term physical stability; Development of formulation design guidelines for using eutectic-based hybrids as next-generation ASD matrices with tuneable properties; Contribution to sustainable pharmaceutical innovation through the application of green, biocompatible solvents and polymers.
Research Methodology: Hybrid eutectic–polymer ASDs will be prepared using spray drying, solvent evaporation and melt-quenching methods, employing model solvents combined with biocompatible polymers. Thermal and structural properties will be investigated using a range of methods, while miscibility, glass transition behaviour and relaxation dynamics will be systematically assessed.
Planned secondments:
- University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland): Characterisation of molecular mobility for stability
- Zentiva (Czech Republic): Industrial experience and scale up
Where to apply
Website: https://ideas-msca.eu/open-positions/
Requirements
Research Field: Pharmacological sciences » Pharmacy
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Technology » Pharmaceutical technology
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
General requirements for admission into IDEAS
- Applicants must be eligible (see eligibility criteria below)
- Applicants must hold a BSc, MSc or equivalent degree in a related subject area, as required by the specific research project (see below).
- Applicants must have the necessary academic skills and background to make the success of a doctoral degree. The skills needed will depend on the project chosen.
- Applicants must be sufficiently proficient in written and spoken English (English CEFR at least B2, preferable C1 or higher. IELTS 6, preferably higher. Project-specific requirements apply).
- DC applicants must fulfil the local requirements of the recruiting institutions.
- Applicants must be eligible to enrol on a PhD programme at Trinity College Dublin.
Furthermore, all future DCs of IDEAS should demonstrate:
- A high willingness to travel.
- Independent problem-solving skills.
- High resilience and flexibility.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Integrity, team spirit, dedication to science and learning, dependability, punctuality, pro-activity.
- Interest to work in an intersectoral, interdisciplinary team and to learn new techniques, methods etc. also outside their comfort zone.
- A high competence level in scientific writing and public speaking as required by the discipline of the project.
- Proficiency with computers, office, web-based learning.
- Willingness to participate in outreach activities, conferences, extracurricular events etc.
Specific additional requirements and experience required for the research project DC9
- Applicants must hold a BSc degree (at least a 2.1 Honors degree or equivalent) in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related subject.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English is required (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent; a full list of accepted qualifications can be found here: https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/how-to-apply/entry-requirements.php). Proof of proficiency is required.
- Experience in pharmaceutical characterisation and formulation design is desirable.
- Willingness to teach, train and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Willingness to undertake further formal training.
- Good organisational and communication skills, with a willingness to travel for short or extended periods.
- Flexible and cooperative, with a well-structured and autonomous approach to work.
Specific Requirements
- Applicants must hold a BSc degree (at least a 2.1 Honors degree or equivalent) in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related subject.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English is required (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent; a full list of accepted qualifications can be found here: https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/how-to-apply/entry-requirements.php). Proof of proficiency is required.
- Experience in pharmaceutical characterisation and formulation design is desirable.
- Willingness to teach, train and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Willingness to undertake further formal training.
- Good organisational and communication skills, with a willingness to travel for short or extended periods.
- Flexible and cooperative, with a well-structured and autonomous approach to work.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
This doctoral position DC9 is fully funded by the Marie Skłodowska Curie Action Industrial Doctorate IDEAS (HORIZON – MSCA – 2025 – DN-01-01). The gross salary comprises a living allowance of €51,868.11 per annum, a mobility allowance of €7,648.11 per annum, and, where applicable, a family allowance of €7,109.52 per annum.
The family allowance will be implemented if the doctoral candidate has or acquires family obligations (i.e. marriage or relationship with equivalent status to a marriage recognised by the legislation of the country or region where this relationship was formalised or dependent children who are actually being maintained by the researcher) during the action duration.
Please note: National and institutional taxes, and social contributions apply to all DC fellowships and will be deducted from the allowances. The provided amount is not conclusive and subject to changes. For further details see the specific positions following the link provided in the section above.
Eligibility criteria
The applicant must comply with the following criteria to be eligible for any project in IDEAS:
- Applicants must fulfill the mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. (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.).
- Applicants must not hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.
- Applicants must not have a conflict-of-interest with their future supervisors (family, relationship, economic interest…).
Selection process
https://ideas-msca.eu/open-positions/
Applicants are requested to submit their application 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 (download from https://ideas-msca.eu/open-positions/), including an indication which 1-3 preferred laboratories / research projects within IDEAS you would like to join
- Research Exposé: Max. 2 pages on your previous research (e.g. BSc and/or 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 graduation certificate (if available) 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.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if available)
- 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.
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. The shortlisted candidates at some of the partner institutions might then need to apply also through the institution’s official recruitment channels.
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.
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 fulfillment 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, preferably online, or where possible, in person.
Interviewed candidates will be ranked and invited to join IDEAS in order of their ranking. Successful candidates will be informed as soon as possible after the interview.
Additional comments
Application deadline: [contact details available in the full listing] We may accept applications after this date, until all positions are filled.
Start date for the selected candidate: 1.03.2027
Website for additional job details: https://ideas-msca.eu/
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Trinity College Dublin
- Country: Ireland
- City: Dublin
