Tuning model colloidal gels by external magnetic fields. Applications in Cancer Treatment 

Horizon Europe, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks – Industrial Doctorates (DN-ID)

The Ph.D. project is part of the EU Doctoral Network “CoCoGel” which aims to provide integrated training for young researchers in the field of Soft Matter and related Industrial Applications. The network involves leading experts in six academic and six industrial nodes, who possess state-of-the-art expertise in experimental techniques, computer simulations, and industrial systems.

Ph.D. project

Within the European doctoral network “CoCoGel” a Ph.D. position is available at Nanogetic in collaboration with the University of Granada and the University of Utrecht to evaluate the influence of particle aggregation in the magnetic hyperthermia of colloidal gels in model tumors. Nanogetic will provide hands-on training on the synthesis and surface functionalization of magnetic particles for their use in magnetic hyperthermia, the biological characterization of the particles and the evaluation of antitumoral properties based on hyperthermia including in vitro evaluation of antitumoral activity by MTT, Annexin / PI assay, migration assay by flow cytometry and confocal analysis.

In collaboration with the University of Granada, the PhD candidate will learn to operate a triaxial magnetic field generator to superimpose highly controlled fields on a model tumor.

The candidate will spend 16 months at the University of Granada (Granada, Spain) to generate magnetic colloidal gels under a home-made unsteady triaxial magnetic field generator and 2 months at the University of Utrecht to learn to extend in-house simulation tools to account magnetic effects and compare simulations to experiments.

Candidate profile

The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in Nanomedicine, Nanotechnology, Translational Research, Biotechnology or a related field.

Prior knowledge of synthesis of nanoparticles/magnetic colloidal gels, physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles/magnetic colloidal gels, biological evaluation and/or magnetic hyperthermia will be a good asset.

The candidate should not have resided in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding recruitment.

Dates & remuneration

3 years starting in June-September 2024.

Gross salary: 3000 to 3500€ per month.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted to rosario.sanchez@nanogetic.es, r.naselli@nanogetic.es and the program manager (cocogel@iesl.forth.gr) and include a motivation letter, Curriculum Vitae and Academic Records.

Please contact rosario.sanchez@nanogetic.es if you need more information using “COCOGEL DC11 application” as email subject.

Deadline for applications: 30 April 2024

Starting date: June – September 2024