General objectives of the DECODE project

DECODE focuses on the training of young scientists on the use of drug-eluting devices to combat the burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD). DECODE will provide young researchers with excellent scientific, technological and complementary skills through a multidisciplinary training programme having as an outmost scientific aim the development, optimization, and assessment of a drug eluting balloon system for the improved treatment of PAD. The aim of DECODE is twofold: a) to enhance the competitiveness and research careers of young researchers at European level as after the completion of the programme they will be able to face current and future challenges on the domain of biomedical engineering, b) to convert knowledge, ideas and expertise from both the academic and non-academic sectors into a novel product which will improve the monitoring and treatment of patients suffering from PAD and their quality of life, providing thus a significant economic and social benefit.

For more information: (https://www.decodeitn.eu/blog)

Specific Information for the position

A position for a PhD candidate is open at the University of Montpellier in France in the laboratory of Prof. Tahmer Sharkawi which is part of the Macromolecular Chemistry and Materials department of the Charles Gerhardt Institute. The ESR will primarily be trained in design and optimization of drug delivery systems for drug eluting balloons. The ESR will gain knowledge on physico-chemical properties of different drug/material combinations used in drug eluting balloon technology. The ESR will develop analytical methods to characterize drug/material candidates and drug release kinetics from drug eluting balloons. The ESR will screen model processing techniques applicable to incorporate drug delivery systems on angioplasty balloons. This will allow to identify key process parameters and drug/material attributes that determine the drug release functionality of the drug delivery system. Thus, finally allowing the ESR to propose improved drug/material candidates through feedback of the previous steps in order to further meet DEB requirements.

The ESR will primarily be trained in design and optimization of drug delivery systems for drug eluting balloons

The ESR will gain expertise in:

1. Analysis and characterization of macromolecular materials as drug delivery excipients
2. Drug release from macromolecular materials as drug delivery systems
3. Prototype processing for drug coated balloons

Several secondments to other consortium partners are planned.

Additional Information

According to the EU rules for the ITN projects, the recruited researchers must comply with the following conditions:

• are, at the date of recruitment, early-stage researchers (i.e. NOT have a doctoral degree AND be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career).
• are recruited under an employment contract/equivalent direct contract (i.e. other contract with equivalent benefits and social security coverage), including: sickness, parental, unemployment and invalidity benefits - pension rights and - benefits for accidents at work and occupational diseases.
• be employed for at least 3 months and up to 36 months.
• be employed full-time.
• work exclusively on the research training activities.
• must comply with the following mobility rule: not have resided in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date (and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country) — unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. For beneficiaries that are international European interest organisations or international organisations: not have spent with the beneficiary more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.

Requirements

• You have a background in polymer or macromolecular material characterization and drug delivery systems
• You are ambitious, well organised and have excellent communication skills.
• You are verbally and written fluent in English and have the ability to work effectively and collaboratively.
• You are an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual, who is willing to take part in personal skills training, international travel and public outreach activities.
• You have demonstrated commitment to high-quality research.

Application

Applications must contain the following documents:

• a personal (motivation) letter and curriculum vitae,
• a copy of degree certificates and associated certificates,
• a copy of degree projects and any previous publications,
• a proof of English language skills,
• two recommendation letters (or the names and email addresses of two references).

The documents should be sent to tahmer.sharkawi@umontpellier.fr