Applications are invited for an international, fully funded PhD Research Position focusing on Multiphase Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles (LCNPs) for Intracellular Drug Delivery. This joint doctoral project is hosted collaboratively by the Softmat Laboratory at the Université de Toulouse (France) and the Biosoftmatter Group / CSGI at the University of Florence (Italy).
Fully Funded Joint PhD Scholarship in Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery – University of Toulouse & University of Florence
Position Overview
| Position / Designation | PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher |
| Research Topic | Multiphase non-lamellar liquid crystalline nanoparticles for cytosolic drug delivery |
| Host Institutions | Université de Toulouse (France) & University of Florence / CSGI (Italy) |
| Mobility Scheme | 24 months in Toulouse (France) and 12 months in Florence (Italy) |
| Doctoral School | SDM Doctoral School (Toulouse) & PhD Programme in Chemical Sciences (Florence) |
| Application Portal | Université de Toulouse Doctoral Portal |
Research Area
The research is situated at the intersection of soft matter physics, interface science, and advanced nanomedicine:
- Nanomedicine & Intracellular Drug Delivery
- Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles (LCNPs): Cubosomes, Hexosomes, and Sponge Phases
- Phase Separation and Structural Heterogeneity in Soft Nanomaterials
- Nanocarrier–Membrane Biophysics: Fusion, Remodeling, and Endosomal Escape
- Biomimetic Lipid Models and Cellular In Vitro Assays
Location
The successful researcher will split their doctoral fellowship between two prominent European institutions:
- Softmat Laboratory, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France (24 months)
- Biosoftmatter Laboratory / CSGI, University of Florence, Florence, Italy (12 months)
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: Must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Soft Matter Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Nanotechnology.
- Core Knowledge: Strong theoretical and practical foundation in colloid and interface science, soft matter, molecular self-assembly, or nanomedicine.
- Technical Experience (Advantageous): Hands-on experience in nanoparticle formulation, model membrane handling (e.g., GUVs, supported lipid bilayers), and advanced characterization methods such as:
- Scattering techniques: SAXS, SANS, DLS, SLS
- Imaging & Surface analysis: Cryo-TEM, Confocal Microscopy, FLIM, FCS, QCM-D
- Thermal & Interface characterization: DSC, tensiometry, zeta potential
- Analytical Skills: Proficiency in scientific data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, Origin).
- Language Skills: Upper-Intermediate to Advanced English language proficiency (effective communication and academic writing).
- Soft Skills: Strong self-reliance, teamwork mindset, and readiness to work across an international, collaborative framework.
Scholarship Description and Project Scope
Despite progress in nanomedicine, translating therapeutic molecules into target cells remains bottlenecked by biological barriers—notably the cell membrane and endosomal entrapment. Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNPs) like cubosomes and hexosomes offer vast internal surface areas and membrane-fusogenic curvatures capable of penetrating physiological hurdles.
This PhD project investigates whether deliberately engineering phase separation and multiphase organization within non-lamellar nanoparticles can trigger spontaneous membrane fusion and efficient cytosolic access. The doctoral candidate will:
- Formulate and engineer a structured library of non-lamellar LCNPs with controllable internal nanoscale domains.
- Characterize architectures and phase behaviors using SAXS/SANS, Cryo-TEM, and DLS.
- Explore nanoparticle-membrane interactions on biomimetic lipid bilayers using QCM-D, neutron reflectometry, and advanced fluorescence microscopy (FLIM, FCS).
- Translate physicochemical findings to cell culture assays, tracking cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and cytosolic delivery efficiency.
The researcher will receive extensive interdisciplinary training, present at international conferences (e.g., Controlled Release Society, ECIS), and prepare publications for leading journals in drug delivery and soft materials.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official doctoral school recruitment platform. Prepare your curriculum vitae (CV), academic transcripts, cover letter describing motivation and research alignment, and contact information for academic references.
Access the official online submission platform here:
Apply via Université de Toulouse Portal
Last Date for Apply
Applications should be submitted as early as possible. Candidates are encouraged to check the university portal immediately to verify the current campaign closing deadlines and ensure all administrative documents are processed in time.
Official Application Link
For more details on project proposal reference 76632 and submission instructions, visit:
https://edd-projets.utoulouse.fr/
