Arbetsbeskrivning

The Project

The project focuses on understanding and improving the stability of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for use in vaccines. By investigating molecular interactions and structural properties of LNPs under various storage conditions, the aim is to develop formulations with both high performance and improved stability. The work includes the design and systematic screening of LNP formulations, physical and chemical characterization, use of LSRI facilities, and in vitro evaluation.

The project is a collaboration between KTH, RISE, Larodan, and Karolinska Institutet. The position will be shared between RISE Chemical and Biological Formulation and KTH Division of NanoBiotechnology at the Department of Protein Science (SciLifeLab, Solna). The doctoral student will be employed by RISE and registered at KTH in the Biotechnology doctoral program (according to KTH’s regulations). Signing a researcher agreement is a necessary condition to accept this PhD position.

More information about Formulation of Biological Products | RISE. More information about the Barriga Lab.

RISE – Research Institutes of Sweden

RISE is Sweden’s research institute and innovation partner. As an independent, state-owned organization, RISE collaborates with industry, academia, and the public sector to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness and contribute to a sustainable society. With over 3,300 employees and access to around 100 testbeds and demonstration facilities, RISE offers unique resources for future-proofing technologies, products, and services.

The PhD student will be closely connected to research activities at RISE, particularly within the Chemical and Biological section, where research is conducted in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. The department has coordinated projects such as FORMAMP (formulation of antimicrobial peptides in nanoparticles), NextBioFORM (innovative formulation development for biological therapeutics), RealHOPE (real-life handling of protein drugs), and PharmEco (sustainable transformation of the pharmaceutical industry).

What RISE offers

• A PhD position that provides the opportunity to work flexibly in different environments: academic, research institute, and industry.

• Access to expertise and equipment from two leading universities, Sweden’s research institute, and an innovative company.

• A creative, international, and dynamic research environment.

• Multidisciplinary supervision from institute, academia, and industry, combining biology, physics, and chemistry to advance our understanding of structure and dynamics in biological processes.

• Access to advanced equipment and expertise in lipid chemistry, structural characterization, and mRNA technology.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.

What KTH offers

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.

• A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.

• Work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and the water.

• A multidisciplinary group combining biology, physics and chemistry to advance our understanding of biological processes.

• The group has expertise using large scale research infrastructures to study lipid systems.

Qualifications

Required:

• Passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or

• Completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or

• Mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6

• Experience in formulating lipid nanoparticles with mRNA via microfluidics

• Experience in sample preparation and data analysis from small-angle scattering (SAXS, SANS) or similar techniques

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to collaborate constructively with external partners

Meritorious:

• Experience in cell culture and cytotoxicity assays

• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams

• Interest in structural biology, pharmaceutical formulation, and translational research

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as collaboration skills and independence.

Workplace Description Your workplace will be divided between RISE Chemical and Biological Formulation and KTH SciLifeLab. Work will also be conducted at Karolinska Institutet and Abitec Larodan Lipids.

Main supervisors are Hanna Barriga (KTH) and Randi Nordström (RISE), with co-supervision by Matti Sällberg (KI) and Donald Kelemen (Abitec Larodan Lipids).

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities in biochemistry, formulation, and physical chemistry at the project’s partner institutions and at large-scale research infrastructures (LSRI) in Sweden and internationally.

Welcome with your application!

If this sounds exciting and you want to know more, you are welcome to contact supervisor Randi Nordström. The deadline for applications is March 13th. Interviews will be carried out continuously during the application period. Apply as soon as possible with personal letter, cv and a copy of degree diploma(s) and transcripts. Our union representatives are Ingemar Petermann, SACO, +46 10 228 41 22, and Linda Ikatti, Unionen, 010-516 51 61.