PhD Positions

» Biochemistry; Chemistry » Analytical chemistry; Chemistry » Organic chemistry; Chemistry » Physical chemistry; Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 23 Nov 2026 - 16:00 (Europe/Dublin) Country: Ireland Type of Contract: Not Applicable Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 40 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description Duration: 4 Years/48 Months Status: Full-time Funding information: Research Ireland Rinn Pharma & Biopharma Value of the scholarship per year for four years: Stipend: €25,000 per annum Fees of €5,750 per annum (covered by scholarship) Closing date and time: Monday, 23 November, 2026 at 4pm Irish-time Interview date: To be confirmed PhD commencement date: January 2027 Project Key Words: Microneedle arrays; aerosol jet printing; biopharmaceutical drug delivery Post summary Applications are invited from suitability qualified graduates for a PhD scholarship in the PMBRC funded by the Research Ireland Rinn Pharma and Biopharma centre. Rinn Pharma and Biopharma is a leading international research centre where the world’s top pharmaceutical industry and research academia collaborate to develop patient-centric medicines in a sustainable manner. This project will be in the Innovation in Patient-centred Products sub-theme and will study the use of aerosol jet printing for the manufacture of dissolving microneedle arrays for the transdermal delivery of biomolecules. Biologic drugs are important in the treatment of a wide range of common conditions including Crohn’s disease, diabetes and obesity. These medicines are often delivered by injection or IV infusion, but increasingly can be patient-administered using injection pens and autoinjector devices. There is intensive research into alternative, patient-friendly delivery routes and marketed peptide products are now available by inhalation (Afrezza®), subcutaneous infusion (insulin pumps) and oral tablet (Weygovy®). There is a need however to develop further patient-centric and personalised delivery options for these important medicines. One potential route is the transdermal delivery using dissolving microneedle arrays (MNAs). Recently the supervisory team have shown that aerosol jet printing can be used as an additive manufacturing technique for the fabrication of dissolving MNAs using relatively mild processing conditions. This opens up the possibility of 3-D printing personalised medicines and potentially point-of-care manufactured biologic drug delivery systems. This project will continue this work, exploring the loading of biomolecules into the MNAs and the effect of processing parameters on protein/peptide structure, stability and biological activity. A range of analytical techniques will be used to characterise the formulations including circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and Franz diffusion cell studies. The scholarship includes a travel budget which will allow the student to attend a number of international conferences relevant to their research. In addition, it may be possible to arrange a 3-month work placement with an industry partner or with an international academic partner during the programme, subject to certain criteria. The student will be based at the Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC) at South East Technological University (SETU) and will be part of a wider team of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers involved in drug delivery and drug product formulation research. As an Rinn Pharma & Biopharm-funded researcher, the student will be required to attend quarterly technical meetings to present their work with other researchers and industry partners. Person specification Qualifications Essential The student must have a minimum 2.1 B.Sc. honours degree in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, biopharmaceutical science, material science or a related area. Desirable First class honours degree in the above disciplines is desirable but not essential. Knowledge & Experience Essential Prior relevant laboratory experience including analytical chemistry, materials characterisation and/or drug product formulation. Demonstrated knowledge of biopharmaceutical formulation and characterisation. Desirable Previous hands-on experience of some analytical chemistry (HPLC, LC/MS), protein characterisation (circular dichroism, activity assays) and/or solid-state characterisation (DSC, XRD, dynamic vapour sorption) techniques. Previous experience or knowledge of drug product formulation, drug product manufacture or additive manufacturing is desirable. Work experience, work placement or internship undertaken in an industry or research laboratory related to the above disciplines. Skills & Competencies Essential Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide all necessary documentation. See Page 7 of the Code of Practice In order to be shortlisted for interview, you must meet the SETU English speaking requirements so please provide evidence in your application. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft® Office. Skilled in data analysis and interpretation. Self-motivated with an ability to work on their own initiative to fulfil the outlined goals of the research project. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams. Desirable Evidence of interest, aptitude and research experience in the above disciplines If applicable, an IELTS score of 7 or equivalent Prior experience in scientific academic writing. A working knowledge of statistical analysis software. Prior experience in the dissemination scientific knowledge to both small and large interdisciplinary audiences (written or verbal). Further information For any informal queries, please contact Dr Niall O’Reilly on email niall.oreilly@setu.ie Application procedure Complete the online Application Form from the SETU website quoting the advert reference code from above. Please ensure that you upload all supporting documents as part of your submission. Please note that applications must be submitted by this route. For queries relating to the application and admission process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office via email researchadmissions@setu.ie or telephone +353 (0)51 302883. University Website: https://www.setu.ie The University will short-list and interview those applicants who provide the most suitable information in terms of experience, qualifications and other requirements relevant to the scholarship. SOUTH EAST TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (SETU) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER Where to apply Website: https://www.setu.ie/research-innovation/researcher-support/current-funding-and-open-calls/internal-setu-funding-calls/funded-research-opportunities Requirements Research Field: Chemistry Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: South East Technological University Country: Ireland Contact Website: www.setu.ie