PhD Fellow in Pharmaceutics

About the role

The Department of Pharmacy (IFA) at the University of Tromsø invites applications for a four‑year PhD Fellowship in Pharmaceutics. The project focuses on developing multifunctional, electrospun wound dressings made from sustainable bioactive polymers to improve healing of hard‑to‑heal and burn wounds.

Key responsibilities

• Design and optimise nano‑based drug formulations, including nanofibers and liposomes.
• Perform electrospinning of polymeric nanofibres and scale‑up processes.
• Characterise formulations using advanced microscopy, texture, swelling and bioadhesion techniques.
• Conduct in‑vitro biological assays, bacterial strain tests and biofilm evaluations.
• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners, including the university’s TTO and Norinnova AS.
• Contribute to teaching activities (≈25 % of the time) and prepare scientific publications.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences (or equivalent).
• Fluent written and spoken English; ability to work in an international research environment.
• Strong interest in nanomedicine, biopolymer chemistry and topical drug delivery.

Required skills

• Electrospinning of polymer nanofibres.
• Formulation of nanofibers and liposomes.
• Advanced microscopy (e.g., SEM, TEM).
• Texture analysis, swelling measurement and bioadhesion testing.
• Drug formulation and nanomedicine laboratory techniques.
• Cell‑based assays, bacterial culture and biofilm testing.

What we offer

• A four‑year fixed‑term research contract with a teaching component.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and interdisciplinary expertise.
• Opportunities for industry collaboration and potential clinical translation.
• Support for scientific publishing and conference participation.