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

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department Polymer Chemistry and Materials/Science Research Field Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 30 Sep 2026
- 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-523 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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. 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).

We offer
a PhD fellowship for 1 year. After positive evaluation, this can be extended for max. 4 years. For more information please contact Prof. dr. Mario Smet, mail: mario.smet@kuleuven.be .

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

Eligibility criteria

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).