PhD Position Synthesis and Application of Radiation-triggered Block Copolymer Micelles

Job description

As part of a large national consortium aimed at the development of nanoparticle-based immunotherapy for cancer treatment, you will design, synthesize and characterize radiation-sensitive block copolymers that self-assemble into micelles, and test their ability to encapsulate and release immunotherapeutic agents. You will develop a library of block copolymers with variations in polymer block length and structure, as well as the radiation-sensitive linker. You will assess the efficiency of radiation-induced polymer degradation and cargo release, as well as initial cell studies. The project will be carried out as a collaboration between the groups of prof. Rienk Eelkema (Chemical Engineering) and prof. Antonia Denkova (Radiation Science and Technology).

Job requirements

• You have an MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or equivalent
• You have proven expertise in multistep organic synthesis
• You have experience in purification and characterization of organic molecules
• Experience in polymer synthesis, polymer characterization and physical chemistry are desirable
• You work well in a team
• You have a high level of written and spoken English

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact prof. Rienk Eelkema (r.eelkema@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 26 October 2026 upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to prof. Rienk Eelkema

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences Salary range: €3204 - €4051 Hours per week: 36-40 FTE: 1,0 Submission is possible until: 26 Oct 2026 ID job: 3876