.Organisation/Company: Principe Felipe Research CenterResearch Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry, Chemistry » Analytical chemistry, Chemistry » Organic chemistry, Chemistry » Other, Biological sciences » Other, Pharmacological sciences » OtherResearcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions, PhD PositionsCountry: SpainApplication Deadline: 30 Nov 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Madrid)Type of Contract: TemporaryJob Status: Full-timeHours Per Week: 37.5Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2025Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCAReference Number: 101168881 — NATPRIMEIs the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? NoOffer Description Nucleic acid-based therapies demonstrated their early success during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Nucleic acids are a valuable cargo that needs to be delivered, ideally, to a specific tissue or organ within the human body. However, there are several challenges to achieve this effectively, and the use of nanocarriers is necessary.To work on these exciting challenges and receive interdisciplinary training in this area, we will be hiring PhD candidates with a background in chemistry, biology, physics, genetics, and material science.At CIPF, 2 positions are being offered for the development of 2 PhD theses:DC12The Vicent Group recently identified polypeptide-based vectors targeting mitochondria. In this PhD thesis, we will continue this research line, focusing on the design of bioresponsive, polypeptide-based polyplexes capable of targeting mitochondria and releasing selected cargoes through specific stimuli, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or other endogenous triggers. We will develop hybrid polypeptide-polypeptoid copolymers incorporating a polyproline moiety. These proline-rich moieties will be linked to the polyplexes, and their safety and transfection efficiency will be explored in cancer models.Scientific Plan and Expected Results:Task 1: Our objective is to prepare a series of non-viral, mitochondria-targeted, polypeptide-based vectors (polyplexes) using the previously identified targeting moieties, aiming to deliver ODN intracellularly, ideally to the mitochondria.Task 2: The selected polyplexes/lipoplexes will be evaluated in 2D and 3D cancer cell models to determine their toxicology and transfection efficiency.Task 3: Polyplexes with optimal biological behavior will be studied to better understand bio-nano interactions, in collaboration with DC10 at the Max Planck Institute and DC9 at the University of Bordeaux for conformational studies in solution.Task 4: Preclinical validation of selected candidates.Throughout this project, the PhD student will be trained in polymer synthesis, bioconjugation techniques, and comprehensive physicochemical characterization, with a focus on bio-nano interfaces and biological evaluation in relevant preclinical models