R1.06/2024 2 PhD positions. R1 Researchers (I-36)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.DC14In close collaboration with Prof. Perrier at the University of Warwick and Prof. van Hest at the Technical University of Eindhoven (TUE), the PhD candidate will first develop a novel polymeric carrier capable of forming polyplexes and acting as a non-viral vector for gene transfection applications, seeking new therapeutic strategies against advanced solid tumors. The PhD student will synthesize the polymeric nanocarriers at the University of Warwick, and subsequently at CIPF, will develop the derived polyplexes and validate them in in vitro and in vivo models of metastatic breast cancer. The full characterization of the newly developed polyplexes will be carried out both at CIPF and during a secondment at the Technical University of Eindhoven (Prof. van Hest's lab).NATPRIME is a European project funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 101168881. It is also co-funded by the UK Guarantee Scheme.THE CV SHOULD REMOVE ALL PERSONAL REFERENCES: NAME, GENDER, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, NATIONALITY AND SHOULD NOT INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPH.#J-18808-Ljbffr