PhD Position

Offer Description

The CUSTOM project is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network that unites three core disciplines (design, manufacturing, and testing) towards the development of a next generation of patient-specific shoulder implants. The number of shoulder replacements is projected to increase by 300–400% between 2020 and 2040. With the current technology, approximately 10% of artificial shoulder implants fail within the first 10 years of service, mainly due to soft tissue failure, infection, and implant loosening. CUSTOM focuses on combining (1) computational tools that allow patient-specific design, (2) additive manufacturing to realize custom, complex designs and structures and their further post-processing to incorporate multi-functionality, and (3) blended in-silico and experimental testing to reduce the burden on experimental testing for certification. In doing so, CUSTOM addresses the major failure mechanisms of current shoulder implants and aims to improve their overall functionality and longevity.

Within this framework, the present doctoral project focuses on extended release of antibiotics and synovial fluid viscosupplementation. The objective is to implement a multifunctional medical structure (3D printed shoulder joint prosthesis) combined with an innovative drug delivery system: (1) providing extended release of an active antibiotic ingredient from a biodegradable matrix, (2) ensuring optimal flow characteristics of the synovial fluid substitute, and (3) decreasing the wear of prosthetic surfaces by integrating a lubricating component. The development aims at a sterile multiparticulate drug delivery system in a partially lyophilized and/or spray-dried form that combines the advantages of hydrogel-forming and/or lipid-based excipients.

The expected result is a drug delivery system that allows prolonged antibiotic release, thereby helping to reduce the microbiological risk associated with surgery and concomitant periprosthetic joint infection. At the same time, the designed swellable, biodegradable multiparticulate drug carrier system is intended to play a role in reducing friction between the constituents of the joint via synovial fluid viscosupplementation. The work therefore lies at the interface of pharmaceutics, biomaterials and tribology, with a strong translational focus on prosthetic shoulder joints.

Main tasks

1. Perform a literature survey on extended-release antibiotic delivery from implant-associated drug delivery systems and on synovial fluid viscosupplementation, with particular emphasis on multiparticulate carriers, hydrogel- and lipid-based systems, and their tribological behaviour in joint prostheses.
2. Design a formulation strategy and experimental plan for the development of a sterile multiparticulate dosage form (e.g. spray-dried and/or partially lyophilized particles) capable of extended antibiotic release and viscosupplementation in model synovial environments.
3. Prepare and characterise biodegradable matrices and excipient systems (including hydrogel-forming and lipid-based carriers), optimising critical quality attributes such as particle size distribution, swelling behaviour, rheology, and drug release profiles.
4. Conduct dissolution, release and tribological tests in model shoulder joint environments to evaluate antibiotic release kinetics, synovial fluid flow characteristics and friction/wear behaviour at the metal–polymer or metal–ceramic interface, and establish correlations between in vitro testing conditions and anticipated in vivo performance.

Planned secondments

• University of Nottingham (UON) (M23–26, 4 months): Encapsulation of antibiotics in porous titanate coatings on metallic implant substrates, and integration of the drug-loaded coating with the multiparticulate delivery system.
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) (M35–39, 5 months): Chemical measurements, porosity, viscosity and flow characterisation of synovial fluid and lubricants in porous structures, and characterisation of the effect of extended lubricant release on wear reduction in joint simulators.
• A doctoral scholarship (fully funded) and a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering Sciences (or an equivalent discipline defined by the hosting institution) if successful.
• A highly specialized doctoral training in an international environment at a top European university, as well as through the MSCA Doctoral Network CUSTOM.
• Extensive training and networking activities via the MSCA Doctoral Network CUSTOM project, which involves a total of 17 doctoral candidates.
• A living allowance, mobility allowance and, if applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances. A living allowance of 3027.55 EUR (equivalent in HUF with 403 HUF conversion factor) plus a mobility allowance of 710 EUR (tax-free), and, if relevant, a family allowance of 660 EUR (tax-free). The salary and allowances are gross amounts and will be paid in HUF according to Hungarian law.
• The opportunity to participate in research collaborations and international conferences.
• A stepping stone towards future career opportunities in the European R&D sectors.
• A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with its stunning landscape and rich architectural and historical heritage, offers a unique combination of diverse cultural backgrounds, fine cuisine and a wide array of leisurely activities. Semmelweis University is a leading Hungarian institution in the Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a long tradition in medical and pharmacy education and research, a strong international reputation, and a large student body that includes a significant number of international students. The university offers comprehensive degree programmes in English, German and Hungarian and is known for its commitment to innovation and research and development.
• For more information please contact Dr. Miléna Lengyel, tel: +361 476-3600 or email: lengyel.milena@semmelweis.hu

Where to apply

E-mail: lengyel.milena@semmelweis.hu

Requirements

• Research Field: Medical sciences » Health sciences
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researcher with a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field. Experience with pharmaceutical technology and chemistry and familiarity with polymers and excipients, biomaterials or drug delivery systems and familiarity with biostatistics is an advantage; strong interest in acquiring this expertise is essential. Candidates should be able to work independently on this PhD project, as well as collaborate closely with fellow researchers at partner universities, within the CUSTOM doctoral network, and with industrial and clinical partners.

Candidates should have experience with experimental work and materials formulation and characterisation techniques (spray drying, freeze-drying, microencapsulation, polymer or pharmaceutical testing, microscopy, etc.). Specific experience with wear testing of joint implant materials, hydrogels, or controlled release systems is a plus. Applicants should have excellent oral and written English communication skills (TOEFL score of at least 94 or IELTS score of 7 or higher). The successful candidate is expected to contribute to education at the Master level (e.g. supervision of student projects, assistance in practical courses, master thesis supervision,…).

Specifically for the MSCA Doctoral Network, applicants for this position cannot have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Hungary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Moreover, applicants cannot have previously obtained a PhD.

• Languages: ENGLISH
• Level: Excellent
• Languages: HUNGARIAN
• Research Field: Other
• Years of Research Experience: More than 10

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Semmelweis University
• Country: Hungary
• State/Province: Hungary
• City: Budapest
• Postal Code: 1092
• Street: Hőgyes E. str 7.

Contact

• State/Province: Hungary
• City: Budapest
• Website: https://semmelweis.hu/
• Street: Hőgyes E. str 7.
• Postal Code: 1092
• E-Mail: lengyel.milena@semmelweis.hu
• Phone: +3614763600/53069