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 fellow will join the Drug Transport and Delivery research group to develop multifunctional nanofibrous wound dressings aimed at improving healing of hard‑to‑heal and burn wounds.

Key responsibilities

• Design, formulate and electrospin nanofibrous wound dressings from sustainable bioactive polymers.
• Incorporate marine‑ and agricultural‑derived active substances into the dressings.
• Optimize formulation, processing parameters and scale‑up procedures with a focus on sustainability.
• Characterise the dressings using morphological, mechanical, and advanced microscopy techniques.
• Evaluate biological performance in cell assays, bacterial cultures and biofilm models.
• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners, including the university’s technology transfer office and Norinnova AS.
• Contribute to teaching activities and other duties as part of the PhD programme.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field.
• Fluency in English and ability to work in an international research environment.
• Documented laboratory experience in drug formulation and nanomedicine.

Required skills

• Nanofiber electrospinning
• Pre‑formulation studies (nanofibers, liposomes)
• Characterisation of nano‑formulations (advanced microscopy, texture analysis, swelling measurement, bioadhesion testing)
• Drug formulation and nanomedicine techniques

What we offer

• A four‑year PhD programme (three years research + 25 % teaching duties each year).
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and interdisciplinary expertise.
• Opportunities for collaboration with industry and international partners.
• Support for academic and professional development within a vibrant research group.