PhD position - Engineering Trojan Hybrids for Targeted Photothermal Therapy of Recurrent Glioblastoma: Synthesis, Characterization, and Interaction Studies.

Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia

Updated: about 2 months ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 31 Mar 2025

25 Feb 2025
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences
Department

Department of Multilayers and Nanostructures
Research Field

Physics » Chemical physics
Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Chemistry » Organic chemistry
Physics » Biophysics
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions

PhD Positions
Country

Slovakia
Application Deadline

31 Mar 2025 - 18:00 (Europe/Bratislava)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

30
Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Develop and characterize a stimuli-responsive hydrogel matrix with embedded MoOx-RGD nanoconjugates exhibiting photothermal properties. Apply advanced microscopy techniques to visualize and analyze the distribution of MoOx-RGD nanoconjugates within the hydrogel matrix, and their in vitro biological activity.

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Recurrence after initial eradication is extremely high, with tumors reappearing locally with increased resistance to treatment. Locally delivered photothermal therapy enables tumor destruction without drugs, using heat, thereby bypassing the heterogeneity of glioblastoma, limitations of the blood-brain barrier, and conventional drug resistance mechanisms, while also not affecting surrounding healthy tissues. Implantable or injectable hydrogel matrices are able to transport therapeutic vectors to the tumor site and release them upon stimuli. The aim of this PhD thesis is to develop (i) functional "Trojan horse" hydrogels with embedded photothermal nanoparticle conjugates, (ii) verified in vitro, and (iii) supplemented with state-of-the-art structural and chemical mapping at the nano-level. pH-responsive functional photothermal MoOx nanoparticles will be conjugated with tumor-targeting RGD peptides and embedded in polymer matrices based on poly(2-oxazoline) (non-toxic, biodegradable) and tulipalin A (from biological sources). The nanoconjugate-hydrogel structures and in vitro samples will be subjected to studies using near-field nanoscopy, force spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and confocal Raman microscopy to characterize phenomena at the nano-level. 

Literature: 

  • Annušová et al, ACS Omega, 2023, 8, 47, 44497–44513, doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01934;
  • Nan et al, Appl Spectrosc Rev, 2021, 56, 7, 531–552, 2021, doi: 10.1080/05704928.2020.1830789; 
  • Lamprecht, C. et al., Biomedical Sensing with the Atomic Force Microscope, in Bhushan B. (eds) Nanotribology and Nanomechanics. 135–173 (Springer, 2017)

The candidate will acquire expertise in the construction of nanoparticles and conjugates, their detailed characterization (physical, chemical, biological), and advanced microscopy techniques. This proposed topic allows the candidate to extend his/her knowledge through original research and critical analysis. 

The work will be realized at the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences. For detailed information, please contact: adriana.hvizdosova.annusova@savba.sk


Where to apply
E-mail

adriana.hvizdosova.annusova@savba.sk

Requirements
Research Field
Physics
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field
Chemistry
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We seek an openminded, team-spirited PhD candidate with:

  • Masters degree or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry or Biophysics or strong interest in physics of nanostructures.
  • Excellent command of English and teamwork skills (time management, problem solving, critical thinking).
  • Previous experience in a research environment involving material research, polymer science, nanomaterials, biophysics or similar will be positively considered.

Specific Requirements
  • AFM, Raman, FTIR, Ellipsometry, UV-Vis spectrophotometry expertise are welcomed.
  • Programming experience considered an asset.

Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits
  • Acquire a doctoral degree at the Comenius University in Bratislava and participate in the PhD program of the Institute of Physics SAS.
  • Become part of a supportive and stimulating interdisciplinary team of physicists, chemists and biologists developing next-generation cancer diagnosis and treatment systems.
  • Participate in diverse research projects within the framework of multiple international projects with partners in France, Austria, Spain, Poland, and beyond.
  • Benefit from state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and capabilities.
  • We offer opportunities for personal growth, professional development, international networking, research stays at partner institutions.
  • Competitive salary, on campus accommodation.

Selection process

Please send your CV, publication list and cover letter to Dr. Adriana Hvizdošová Annušová by email: 

adriana.hvizdosova.annusova@savba.sk
 


Additional comments

The term of employment is 4 years with the possibility of extension. Preferred start September 1, 2025.


Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences
Country
Slovakia
City
Bratislava
Postal Code
845 11
Street
Dúbravská cesta 9
Geofield


Contact
City

Bratislava
Website

https://www.fu.sav.sk/
Street

Dúbravská cesta 9
Postal Code

845 11
E-Mail

adriana.hvizdosova.annusova@savba.sk

STATUS: EXPIRED

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