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PhD Position in Nanomedicine Formulation Engineering for Cancer Treatment
Help redefine cancer treatment through nanomedicine.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work at the cutting edge of lipid nanoparticle design & molecular modeling
Job description
SPARC (Scalable Personalized Nanotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment) is an ambitious research program dedicated to making advanced cancer therapies more effective and accessible, particularly for patients with hard-to-treat “cold tumors.” By developing personalized nanomedicines, SPARC aims to improve patient survival through innovations such as tumor-on-a-chip platforms that reduce reliance on animal testing, and novel manufacturing technologies that enhance therapeutic efficacy and product stability.
As part of this program, we are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research to join a collaborative project between the Precision Therapeutics group (Dr. Alina Rwei) in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Complex Fluid Processing group (Prof. Johan Padding) in the Department of Process & Energy at Delft University of Technology. The position will be formally embedded within the Precision Therapeutics group.
In this PhD project, you will develop innovative formulation strategies for lipid-based drug delivery nanoparticles, with a particular focus on the design and optimization of externally triggerable lipid nanomedicines. Combining molecular modeling with experimental validation, you will investigate how formulation parameters influence nanoparticle stability, ultrasound triggerability, and biological performance, contributing to the development of precision therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
The project is embedded in a strong academic–industrial network and offers close collaboration with leading pharmaceutical partners, including Merck KGaA and Johnson & Johnson. The project also involves close interaction with other research teams within the SPARC consortium, working on molecular mechanisms of nanoparticle purification and storage, as well as engineering solutions for downstream processing.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of nanomedicine, molecular modeling, and process engineering, while contributing to the future of personalized cancer therapy.
Key Responsibilities
Lipid-based nanoparticle formulation design & stability optimization
Investigate the impact of lipid composition, cargo type and size, and solvent conditions on nanoparticle performance.
Develop formulation strategies that balance:
Mechanical robustness (required for purification and storage)
Ultrasound responsiveness for triggered drug release
Computational simulations with Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics (CGMD):
Model formulation- and environment-dependent nanoparticle properties (e.g., bending stiffness, surface tension)
Investigate ultrasound triggered release mechanisms
Empirical validation of nanoparticle properties & ultrasound-triggerability in a biologically relevant environment
Empirically validate the simulated nanoparticle properties
Design and evaluate ultrasound triggerability of lipid-based nanoparticles that can activate the tumor microenvironment
Perform in vitro ultrasound-triggered release studies under controlled conditions and validate performance in vitro e.g. tumor-on-chip platforms and in vivo
Job requirements
MSc or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology or related field
Analytical mindset with ability to work across computational and experimental domains
Have excellent communication skills in English, and want to work in a multidisciplinary team
Experience in lipid-based nanoparticle formulations and/or coarse-grained molecular dynamic simulations is a plus
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.
Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.
about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Alina Rwei, via
[email protected].
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 August 2026 upload the following documents:
A detailed CV
Your Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts (grade reports
A cover letter outlining your motivation and key experience
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The position offers a flexible start date, preferably in Fall 2026, with the latest possible start in February 2027.
You can address your application to Dr. Alina Rwei.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences
Salary range: €3059 - €3881
Submission is possible until: 31 Aug 2026
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