NANOSTEM Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN Early Stage Researcher - Developing polymeric nanomaterials

Applications are invited for one Early Stage Researcher (ESR) position (PhD studentship) to work within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network NANOSTEM (www.nanostem.qmul.ac.uk), focused on developing new nanomaterials for neural stem cells drug delivery. The project brings together 7 academic teams, 1 hospital and 1 industrial team, complemented by 5 associate partners, two of which are industrial teams, and distributed over a total seven European Union member states. The network comprises groups with very interdisciplinary expertise, ranging from nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, computational modelling, in vitro BBB models and BBB transport, neural stem cells, animal testing and clinical expertise. As such, the NANOSTEM Network offers a unique international, interdisciplinary and intersectorial doctoral training programme.

The ESR appointed will work under the supervision of Prof Marina Resmini in the Department of Chemistry, at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). The project will focus on the development of polymeric nanomaterials, that will be labelled with peptides for blood brain barrier targeting and permeation studies. In a second stage the project will require the best nanoparticles to be evaluated for their toxicity in vivo using zebrafish. This project provides a very multidisciplinary training opportunity. The successful candidate will attend yearly summer schools and international meetings, will receive training on transferable skills, will be registered as PhD student at QMUL and go on secondments (lasting 1 to 2 months) to different team of the Consortium.

A Chemistry-based degree with a strong knowledge of organic chemistry is an essential requisite, while some expertise in polymer/material chemistry is highly desirable. Previous experience of working on nanomaterial synthesis and/or characterisation is also highly desirable. Good knowledge of the English language (both written and spoken) is essential. Demonstration of a strong commitment to research is also essential. Candidates with degrees in Nanotechnology, Pharmacy, Food technologies and Chemical Engineering are not eligible to apply for this post.

Due to this project being part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), strict eligibility requirements apply. Applicants should not be UK nationals and also must not have lived, worked or studied in the UK for more than 12 months out of the 3 years immediately prior to the time of application. To qualify as "Early Stage Researchers" applicants should be within the first 4 years of their research careers, counted from the date in which their degree was obtained. For more information on MSCA ITN, please see: http://ec.europa.eu/mariecurieactions.

Interested candidates are strongly advised, prior to applying, to read carefully the job description and to contact Prof Marina Resmini at [Email Address Removed] and send a CV and cover letter clearly explaining their interest for the position and their eligibility.

The closing date for applications is 12 December 2018 and interviews will be held in early January 2019.