PRR Project

Summary

Tenure-track Auxiliary Researcher position aligned with the thematic lines MatChem and MedLife, in particular in smart nanoparticles for high-performance multicomponent drug delivery. Rationale:The field of Advanced Materials for Health is extremely rich in the type of materials that are used to answer the growing demand for applications spanning from tissue engineering to prosthetics, diagnostics, and drug delivery. CQE has been extremely active in different research lines in this area, two of which can be highlighted due to the high impact results obtained recently: i) development of new drugs formulations; and ii) smart drug carriers. Both have important socio-economic implications, as these strategies can help to repurpose and optimize currently used therapeutic agents, avoiding the time-consuming and costly development of new drugs.  Simultaneously addressing the improvement of the bioavailability of drugs and the design of more efficient carrier systems, CQE aims to respond to the new pharmaceutical legislation/regulation implemented by European Commission in 2023 that aim to make medicines more accessible, affordable, and innovative.New formulations can be based on the combination of two or more drugs which may result in a synergetic therapeutic effect. Mixing two compounds can lead to the formation of stable or metastable states, which frequently show superior bioavailability compared to their crystalline individual counterparts. The performance of these formulations can be further enhanced by incorporation into nanocontainers, which can provide greater stability and targeting capabilities. Among the delivery vehicles being developed are polymer nanocontainers and hybrid silica nanoparticles, that can deliver the therapeutic agents to a specific place at a defined time. The design of hybrid nanocarriers based on polymer and silica opens a vast range of possibilities for accommodating all kinds of drugs. In this sense, given the large number and complexity of possible carriers, it is extremely important to understand and rationally design fit-for-purpose structures.Following the significant research activity of CQE in the development of new drugs formulations in one hand, and the use of smart drug nanocarriers on the other hand, important breakthroughs in this field can be anticipated by a researcher who can look at the drug-carrier composite as a whole. This dual approach also provides a powerful opportunity for internal and international collaborations, that will strengthen CQE´s leadership in this field.The new profile must have expertise in both drug and carrier chemistry to identify the parameters for improvement, understand the drug-carrier molecular interactions, and establish correlations with the cargo release profile. Tasks:This position is key to leverage CQE leadership in smart nanomaterials for health applications, under the scope of the MATChem (Functional Materials Chemistry)  and MEDLife (Medicinal and Biological Chemistry for Health) thematic lines. CQE is looking for a candidate with a strong commitment to attract funding and provide advanced training to students, to develop cutting-edge science in smart nanomaterials in line with the strategic objectives of the CQE, to address societal problems from a chemistry-based perspective, and to translate scientific and technological knowledge into social, economic and cultural development. To address these challenges the candidate should be able to leverage national and international fundraising opportunities and attract national and international MSc and PhD students through dissemination in collaboration with the hiring institution ecosystem.Main tasks:Development of smart polymers and hybrid nanomaterials, including their chemical modification for tuning the interactions between the nanocontainers and the cargo.Experimental measurements and analysis of molecular dynamics by dielectric techniques.Calorimetric measurements to determine parameters related to phase transitions (crystallization, melting, glass transition and coil-to-globule transitions).Design experimental procedures to obtain amorphous or metastable drug forms to modulate bioavailability.??????? Scientific profile required:The candidate must have a PhD in Physical Chemistry or related area, a solid track-record in polymers and nanomaterials including synthesis and advanced characterization. The candidate should have national and international collaborators with relevant work in amorphous materials, preferentially related to pharmaceutical research, and a track-record of international mobility. The candidate should also have experience in scientific projects and demonstrate a proactive approach toward securing competitive funding. The candidate is expected to have a proven ability to effectively mentor and guide students, engage in science outreach activities within CQE, and have a strong commitment to reach the broader community through outreach initiatives.