Synthesis and evaluation of Polymers for Drug Coating for specific colon delivery

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This project is a collaboration between the division of polymer chemistry and materials (prof. Mario Smet) of the department of chemistry and the division of Drug delivery and deposition (prof. Guy Van den Mooter) of the department of pharmaceutical and pharmacological sciences both of KU Leuven. The synthetic and molecular characterization work will be done in the chemistry department, the evaluation of the relevant material properties of the drug coating will be done in the latter department.

KU Leuven is one of the top 50 universities in the world according to the "Times Higher Education" ranking, and declared #1 in Most Innovative University of Europe by Reuters 4 years in a row. KU Leuven offers an exciting multi-disciplinary research environment, a broad range of training courses, and full social and medical insurance.

Project

New polymers will be synthesized and evaluated for the purpose of drug coating for controlled delivery in the colon. To this end, disulfide bonds will be incorporated in the polymer backbone which are susceptible to reductive degradation given the negative reduction potential in the colon. Polymerization techniques targeted include both chain and step polymerizations. The polymers will be characterized on the molecular level and their relevant material properties will be assessed.

Profile

Candidates should have a master in chemistry at least cum laude. They should have made their master's thesis in polymer synthesis. Excellent knowledge of English is required (spoken and written).

Offer

We offer a PhD fellowship for 1 year. After positive evaluation, this can be extended for max. 4 years.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Mario Smet, mail: mario.smet@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than September 30, 2026 via the online application tool

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• Sollicitatieprocedure
• Arbeidsvoorwaarden
• Loopbaanmogelijkheden

Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be