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PhD position on tailored synthesis and functionalisation of nano-and microscopic colloidal particles

3 years full time position at HiQ Nano, Italy

We are happy to announce the availability of one Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) PhD position at HiQ-Nano (spin off IIT) in the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, Industrial Doctorate program. The project is titled Supercol: Rational design of super-selective and responsive colloidal particles for biomedical applications. The PhD title will be awarded by University of Salento in Lecce (IT).

We seek an enthusiastic and motivated candidate with MSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Material Science, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, or similar. Strong interest in nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization is required. Previous experience with nanoparticles synthesis and characterization is not strictly required but highly appreciated. Good communication skills in English (both written and spoken) are mandatory.
Highly competitive and attractive salary is offered following the EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie standards, together with mobility.

About us

HiQ-Nano is a spin-off company of the Italian Institute of Technology, located in Lecce (South Italy), focused on the design, fabrication and characterization of high-quality nanoparticles. The company exploits its strong scientific expertise in nanofabrication, nanobiotechnology and material science to satisfy the growing demands of nanomaterials from both academic research and industrially oriented applications. Great focus is dedicated to the development of innovative ideas and out-of-the-box approaches in the field of point-of-care diagnostics, home testing and colorimetric assays.

About the SuperCol Project

Colloidal particles are microscopic or even nanoscopic-sized particles whose surfaces can be functionalised. Their very large surface areas relative to their small volumes means you can load each one with many molecules to deliver and release drugs or bind pathogens and biomarkers at the target site, opening potential for powerful diagnostic and therapeutic systems. The reason that this potential is yet to be exploited is that these functionalities depend on tight and quantitative control over the number, distribution and activity of interface chemical groups which cannot yet be visualized with chemical specificity and at the single-molecule level.

The SuperCol ITN project plans to get a closer look at colloidal surfaces both visually and with receptor chemistry in order to aid development of these particle systems. To this end the project will combine super-resolution microscopy, colloidal sciences, and advanced modelling to (a) control, (b) visualize and quantify, and (c) rationally design surface-functionality to advance particle-based biomedical applications. SuperCol establishes a unique and well-structured training network with leading R&D labs from European universities and industry in the domain of correlative microscopy and colloidal sciences. The 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) will form a research team that is embedded in leading industrial and academic R&D labs. This will bridge the gap between the various disciplines by uniting their research efforts to solve the challenges.

The SuperCol project is supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN) under grant No. 860914.

The vacancy is open to candidates who are in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree (Eligibility rule), and who have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to your recruitment (Mobility rule). If you are interested but your situation does not conform to the Mobility rule, please refer to www.supercol.eu to see if there is another position in the SuperCol network that would suit you.

How to apply

To apply for this job, please send to info@hiqnano.com the following documents:

(a) your CV

(b) a personal motivation letter describing in details the reasons behind your professional choice to join this industrial doctoral training and the relevance of the candidate’s profile with the research topic to be carried out within the project (max 1 page)

(c) a full list of credits and grades, including (if finished) a copy of your MSc thesis.

For more information or questions please contact us, send an email to dr. Maria Ada Malvindi: Mariada.malvindi@hiqnano.com

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