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Postdoctoral Researcher in Polymer Chemistry for Biomedical Applications

On-site in Barcelona·Full-time·Added yesterday (last checked 28 Oct)

IQS - Universitat Ramon Llull

4 open roles

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Our summary

Work mode
On-site, Barcelona
Contract
Full-time
English
Required
Education
Doctorate

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Requirements

What we're looking for

The position is particularly suitable for candidates with a strong chemistry background interested in translating their expertise in polymer synthesis into innovative biomedical applications. Experience in nanoparticle formulation and in vitro biological evaluation is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates with excellent polymer synthesis and characterization skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

  • PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
  • Strong academic background in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry.
  • Demonstrated doctoral research experience involving the synthesis and characterization of functional polymers.
  • Proven hands-on experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, chemical modification and functionalization.
  • Demonstrated experience in polymer purification and structural and physicochemical characterization.
  • Experience in designing and optimizing synthetic routes for functional polymeric materials.
  • Advanced knowledge of organic synthesis and polymer chemistry, using techniques such as RAFT polymerization and click chemistries.
  • Practical expertise in polymer characterization techniques, particularly NMR, FTIR, GPC/SEC and other relevant analytical methods.
  • Experience in polymer purification and assessment of molecular weight, dispersity and chemical structure.
  • Good command of written and spoken English.
  • High scientific motivation, creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently, plan experiments and manage research activities.
  • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
  • Organizational skills, attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigor.
  • Proactive attitude and willingness to learn techniques beyond the candidate's primary field of expertise.

Nice to have

  • Research experience related to biomedical applications, biomaterials, nanomedicine or drug delivery will be highly valued.
  • Previous experience in the development of polymeric nanoparticles, nanoformulations or drug delivery systems will be considered a strong asset.
  • Additional experience in biological evaluation, including in vitro cell culture and cell-based assays, will be highly valued.
  • A scientific publication record relevant to the position will be positively assessed.
  • Familiarity with nanoparticle formulation and characterization techniques (e.g., DLS, zeta potential, NTA or electron microscopy) will be an advantage.
  • Knowledge of polymeric biomaterials, biodegradable polymers and drug delivery applications will be valued.
  • Experience with in vitro biological techniques, such as mammalian cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, cellular uptake or transfection studies, will be considered an additional asset.

The role

The Nano4Neuro project aims to develop an innovative nanotechnology platform for the efficient delivery of therapeutic mRNA to the central nervous system, overcoming the biological barriers that currently limit brain delivery. The ultimate goal is to restore malin expression as a therapeutic strategy for Lafora disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder.

Nano4Neuro is a collaborative project involving three research groups with complementary expertise in nanomedicine, brain biology and Lafora disease. Within this consortium, the NanoTherapies Lab at IQS is responsible for the design, synthesis and characterization of functional polymers, as well as the development and optimization of hybrid nanoparticles combining polymeric and lipid components for mRNA delivery.

The research associated with this position will focus primarily on organic and polymer chemistry, including the design, synthesis, functionalization and comprehensive physicochemical characterization of innovative polymers for biomedical applications. These polymers will be integrated into advanced nanoformulations, with particular emphasis on understanding and optimizing the relationship between polymer chemical structure, nanoparticle properties, biocompatibility and mRNA delivery efficiency.

The NanoTherapies Lab at IQS - Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona, Spain) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in organic chemistry and polymer synthesis to join our multidisciplinary research team.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, synthesis, functionalization and physicochemical characterization of innovative polymers for biomedical applications, particularly in the development of advanced nanocarriers for therapeutic delivery.

The position offers an opportunity to work at the interface of polymer chemistry, nanotechnology and biomedicine, within a multidisciplinary environment combining expertise in materials science, nanomedicine and biological evaluation.

What you'll do

  • Design and synthesize novel functional polymers for biomedical and nanomedicine applications.
  • Develop and optimize polymer synthesis and functionalization protocols.
  • Perform comprehensive structural and physicochemical characterization of the synthesized polymers.
  • Contribute to the formulation and optimization of polymer-based nanoparticles for therapeutic RNA delivery.
  • Investigate relationships between polymer chemical structure, physicochemical properties and nanoparticle performance.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers in the biological evaluation of developed materials and nanoformulations.
  • Analyze experimental data, prepare scientific reports and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Participate in research project activities and contribute to the supervision of junior researchers and students.

How you'll work

  • Full-time postdoctoral research position.
  • Duration: 24 months.
  • Expected starting date: Early 2027.
  • Workplace: IQS - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Integration into the NanoTherapies Lab, a multidisciplinary research group specializing in nanomedicine and advanced drug delivery.
  • Access to research facilities for polymer synthesis, physicochemical characterization and nanoparticle development.
  • Salary and employment conditions according to institutional policies and candidate experience.

The Nano4Neuro Project has recently been selected under the CaixaResearch Health 2026 call for proposals and will be funded by the La Caixa Foundation.

Hiring process

Applications will be evaluated based on the candidate's academic background, relevant research experience, scientific publications and alignment with the position.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online or in-person interview.

Applicants should submit a CV, a brief motivation letter and contact details of at least two academic references.

Application Deadline is November 30 2026.

About IQS - Universitat Ramon Llull

IQS is a university institution in Barcelona, Spain, founded in 1905 as the Institut Químic de Sarrià. It is a founding member of Universitat Ramon Llull and comprises two faculties: IQS School of Engineering and IQS School of Management. The institution also runs IQS Executive Education, IQS Tech Transfer, and IQS Tech Factory, focusing on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With over 100 years of teaching experience, IQS offers programs in chemistry, engineering, and management, and is known for its strong ties to industry and applied research.

Industry
Higher Education & Research
Founded
1905
Employees
500–1,000
Headquarters
Barcelona, Spain
In Spain
Barcelona

Good to know if you are moving

  • IQS is located in Barcelona, Spain, a major European hub for science and technology.
  • The institution offers research positions in fields like synthetic biology, protein engineering, and computational enzyme design.
  • Working language may include Spanish, Catalan, and English; knowledge of these can be beneficial.
  • IQS is part of Universitat Ramon Llull, a private university with international recognition.
  • The campus is in the Sarrià district of Barcelona, well-connected by public transport.

In their own words

About the company & team

The University Ramon Llull is a confederation of schools, faculties and departments. IQS is its oldest founding member and consists of two major schools, the School of Engineering and the School of Management that form each an administrative grouping of departments and other institutions among which there are three strategic academic divisions: IQS Executive Education that offers cutting-edge and transformative learning experiences to business leaders; IQS Tech Transfer that promotes research with impact, innovation and technology transfer for companies and organizations and IQS Tech Factory that fosters entrepreneurship and supports the creation of new scientific-technological companies.

With 100 years of teaching experience, IQS is a university center of reference, committed to donating responses to the continuum of challenges that the social, economic, technological and industrial context poses.

Our mission and commitment are to cultivate individuals with values and competencies needed to flourish humanely and professionally.

Additional information

We are an equal opportunity employer. We promote equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly welcome applications from female candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level in this field of knowledge in our School.

We also promote scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and societal progress. At IQS we look for professionals committed to both these values.

IQS holds the HR Excellence in Research certification, which guarantees that our recruitment processes are based on the OTM-R principles (open, transparent and merit-based).

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