PhD Position in Nanomedicine LNP Modeling (SPARC Program)

About the role

The SPARC program at TU Delft seeks a motivated PhD candidate to investigate the formation and purification of lipid‑based drug delivery nanoparticles (LNPs) using molecular modelling. The research aims to reduce costly losses in nanomedicine manufacturing and will involve collaboration with leading pharmaceutical partners.

Key responsibilities

• Perform coarse‑grained molecular dynamics simulations to study LNP formation in water‑ethanol mixtures under various flow conditions.
• Model membrane fouling mechanisms, focusing on how membrane properties affect interactions with LNPs and free components.
• Integrate fouling correlations into CFD simulations of tangential flow filtration systems.
• Correlate mechanical properties of LNPs with their biological performance.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across academia and industry, including visits to partner facilities.

Required profile

• Recent MSc graduate in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Nanotechnology or a related field.
• Strong interest in computational modelling and interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multi‑disciplinary team.

Required skills

• Experience with molecular dynamics simulations (coarse‑grained approaches).
• Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) concepts.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis.

What we offer

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art simulation facilities and experimental labs.
• Close collaboration with industry partners such as Merck KGaA and Johnson & Johnson.
• Opportunity to gain industry experience through partner site visits.
• Funding for the full duration of the PhD program.