PhD Position in Radiation Biology and Nanomedicine Msca-Dn “Ms-Radam

Division of Surgery & Interventional Science

Organisation/Company university college london Department Division of Surgery & Interventional Science Research Field Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 15 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 36.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jul 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number DC12 Application Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

MS-RADAM ("Multi Scale phenomena in RAdiation DAMage") is a European Doctoral Network project funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme. The project brings together leading academic and industrial partners from eight European countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Georgia) to train a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers.

MS-RADAM aims to advance the understanding of key radiation-induced biodamage phenomena at the nano- and larger scales, with applications in particle therapy, radiotherapy, and radio protection. These include the formation of DNA strand breaks by ionising radiation, DNA repair, radio sensitisation by metal nanoparticles, cell survival and radioresistance.

The MS-RADAM research programme combines state-of-the-art
computational multiscale modelling (using DFT/TDDFT methods, collision theory, molecular dynamics, stochastic dynamics, Monte Carlo and analytical methods)
and its thorough validation using advanced experimental techniques (such as mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, radiochemistry and radio biology experiments with biomolecular and biological systems such as oligonucleotides, DNA origami, radio sensitising nanoparticles, living cells and multicellular targets).

MS-RADAM invites applications for a 36-month, full-time, fixed-term position as a Doctoral Candidate (DC). The successful candidate will be employed by University College London (UCL), United Kingdom, and enrolled in its PhD programme. UCL is one of the world’s leading universities, known for its academic excellence, global outlook, and commitment to innovation. With a diverse, collaborative community and a strong focus on real-world impact, it offers an inspiring environment to grow and contribute.

At UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science we conduct pioneering research in healthcare delivery and technologies, with research spanning the full translational pathway, reflected in the multidisciplinary nature of our team.

The DC12 research project, entitled "Experimental validation of nanoparticle properties and microdistributions in radio sensitisation phenomena in cells", aims to understand how nanoparticle properties and intracellular location impact radiation damage, and study their potential to boost radiotherapy tumour damage and healthy tissue sparing. Nanoparticle intracellular microdistribution will be mapped and mechanisms of nanoparticle radio sensitisation will be elucidated (DNA damage and repair, production of reactive oxygen species, imaging of protein expression, clonogenic survival).

The biological effect will be quantified and the potential utilisation of metallic nanoparticles for clinical radiotherapy will be investigated through modelling the therapeutic ratio improvements achievable via tumour-targeted nanoparticles. The experimental results will be input and compared with theoretical and computational modelling results through close collaboration with other partners within the MS-RADAM network.

In addition to specialised scientific training, the position offers extensive international mobility, secondments to partner organisations, and training in transferable skills such as research management, communication, and career development.

E-mail

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• hold a University Master’s Degree(or…