PhD Position Synthesis and of Radiation-triggered Block Copolymer Micelles

Job description As part of a large national consortium aimed at the development of nanoparticle-based immunotherapy for cancer treatment, you will design, synthesize and characterize radiation-sensitive block copolymers that self-assemble into micelles, and test their ability to encapsulate and release immunotherapeutic agents. You will develop a library of block copolymers with variations in polymer block length and structure, as well as the radiation-sensitive linker.

You will assess the efficiency of radiation-induced polymer degradation and cargo release, as well as initial cell studies. The project will be carried out as a collaboration between the groups of prof. Rienk Eelkema (Chemical Engineering) and prof. Antonia Denkova (Radiation Science and Technology).

• You have an MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or equivalent
• You have proven expertise in multistep organic synthesis
• You have experience in purification and characterisation of organic molecules
• Experience in polymer synthesis, polymer characterisation and physical chemistry are desirable
• You work well in a team
• You have a high level of written and spoken English

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.

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.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours),…