Doctoral Candidate F/M (research and technical staff) for the project Next-generation polymers with controlled microstructure and topology for enhanced stability and release (D7)

Job Information

• Organisation/Company: University of Silesia in Katowice
• Research Field: Chemistry » Applied chemistry; Technology » Pharmaceutical technology; Pharmacological sciences » Pharmacy; Chemistry » Physical chemistry; Physics » Condensed matter properties; Physics » Chemical physics
• Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
• Positions: PhD Positions
• Application Deadline: 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw)
• Country: Poland
• Type of Contract: Temporary
• Job Status: Full-time
• Hours Per Week: 40
• Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2027
• Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA
• Reference Number: IDEAS-DC15-MyB
• 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

Doctoral Candidate F/M (research and technical staff) for the project Next-generation polymers with controlled microstructure and topology for enhanced stability and release (D7)

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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: [contact details available in the full listing]

Note that different projects have various application deadline!

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 7 at the University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland) - Next-generation polymers with controlled microstructure and topology for enhanced stability and release.

Context: Polymeric excipients are key components in amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), where they stabilize amorphous drug forms and modulate release kinetics. However, the molecular design principles that link polymer microstructure and topology to ASD performance remain poorly understood. This project aims to design, synthesize, and characterize next-generation biocompatible polymers and copolymers with precisely controlled chain architecture, topology, and amphiphilicity to achieve tunable stabilization and dissolution of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Objectives: This project aims to design, synthesise, and characterise next-generation biocompatible polymers and copolymers with precisely tailored microstructure, chain topology, and amphiphilicity to achieve controlled stabilization and dissolution of selected APIs. By integrating advanced polymer synthesis, comprehensive physicochemical characterisation, and collaborative computational modelling, the project will uncover the structure–property relationships that govern polymer-mediated stabilization and release in ASDs.

Expected results: Identification of polymer architectures and topologies that maximize API stabilization and enable tuneable release kinetics; Mechanistic understanding of how polymer microstructure and topology govern amorphous stability and dissolution control; Development of structure–property–function relationships guiding the rational design of polymeric excipients for diverse APIs; Generation of polymer libraries and design principles transferable to industrial formulation development.

Research Methodology: The doctoral candidate will synthesize biocompatible polymers and copolymers (e.g., PEG, PCL, PLA derivatives) using controlled polymerization techniques such as RAFT, ATRP, and ROP, enabling precise control of chain length, branching, and amphiphilicity. Polymer architecture will be systematically varied (linear, block, graft, cyclic) to probe how microstructural features influence drug–polymer interactions and amorphous stability. Comprehensive characterization will be conducted using NMR, GPC, DSC, PXRD, FTIR, and SAXS to assess chemical composition, molecular weight distribution, morphology, and thermal transitions.

Planned secondments:

• Prof. L. Tajber (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) Study of the interactions between polymers and APIs.
• Dr. G. Garbacz (Physiolution, Germany) Exposure of the DC to industry R&D. Study of dissolution and solubility properties of the various formulations consisted of biocompatible polymers and copolymers with varying microstructure and topology.

Starting date: 1 January 2027

Where to apply

E-mail: [contact details available in the full listing]

Requirements

Research Field: Chemistry » Applied chemistry; Technology » Pharmaceutical technology; Pharmacological sciences » Pharmacy; Chemistry » Physical chemistry; Physics » Condensed matter properties; Physics » Chemical physics

Education Level: Master 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 the host institution.

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.

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Excellent

Additional Information

Benefits

Conditions and Remuneration

IDEAS will cover three years of full-time research, but final contract length and extension options will depend on the host institution.

Extent of employment: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Duration of employment: 36 months

This doctoral position (DC3/DC7) is fully funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks programme (Horizon Europe, IDEAS project, Grant Agreement No. [contact details available in the full listing]). The selected candidate will be employed by the University of Silesia in Katowice under a full-time employment contract, in accordance with Polish labour law and the applicable institutional regulations.

Remuneration:

The estimated monthly gross salary is approximately EUR 2 834, including the MSCA living and mobility allowances. This amount represents the employee's gross remuneration before deduction of personal income tax and employee social security contributions, and excludes employer social security contributions.

An additional family allowance of approximately EUR 507 gross per month may be provided to eligible researchers in accordance with the applicable MSCA Doctoral Networks rules.

The remuneration will be paid in Polish zloty (PLN). The EUR amounts are indicative, and the corresponding salary in PLN will be calculated using the average EUR/PLN exchange rate published by the National Bank of Poland (NBP) in Table A, applicable on the date of salary payment. The exchange rates are available at: https://nbp.pl/statystyka-i-sprawozdawczosc/kursy/tabela-a/

The final salary and its components will be confirmed by the University of Silesia in Katowice prior to employment. The remuneration package will be administered in accordance with Polish labour law, including applicable provisions concerning seniority allowances and additional annual remuneration.

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 a country correction coefficient applies to the living allowance in order to ensure equal treatment and purchasing power parity for all researchers and will be defined prior the recruitment starting. For further details see the specific positions following the link provided in the section above.

For more info on MSCA-DN visit the website https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks

Eligibility criteria

The applicant must comply with the following criteria to be eligible for any project in IDEAS:

• Applicants must fulfil 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

Application

https://ideas-msca.eu/open-positions/

Applicants are requested to submit their application for one to three positions 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 (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. two 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.

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.

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.

MSCA will cover three years of full-time research, but the final contract length and extension options will depend on the host institution.

Application deadline: [contact details available in the full listing] We may accept applications after this date, until all positions are filled.

Start date for doctoral candidates: [contact details available in the full listing]

Website for additional job details: https://ideas-msca.eu/open-positions/

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Physics
• Country: Poland
• State/Province: Silesia
• City: Chorzów
• Postal Code: 41-500
• Street: 75 Pułku Piechoty 1a

Contact

• State/Province: Silesia
• City: Katowice
• Website: https://us.edu.pl/en/; https://ideas-msca.eu/open-positions/; https://ideas-msca.eu/
• Street: Bankowa 12
• Postal Code: 40-007
• E-Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]; [contact details available in the full listing]; [contact details available in the full listing]; [contact details available in the full listing]