PhD Position Modeling Release and Redistribution of Hydrophobic drugs from Lipid Nanocarriers

A Ph.D. position in computational pharmaceutical science is available at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). The project is funded by the Center for Pharmaceutical Data Science Education (CPDSE). 

The project aims to get a better understanding of the release and redistribution of hydrophobic drugs from lipid nanocarriers by using mathematical modelling. Numerical analysis of partial differential equations will be applied to model drug distribution and partitioning in multiphase systems using the drug’s partition coefficient as a driving force. Computational chemistry will be used to crease a library of model compounds differing in lipophilicity and to calculate their key physicochemcial properties (e.g. melting point, solubility, size, chemical potential). Finally, an existing model to describe drug release by the collision mechanism will be refined by incorporating the physicochemical properties of the drug. The project will be supplementet with some experimental work as a proof of concept.

Project background
A detailed understanding of drug release characteristics is essential for the rational design of drug nanocarriers such as liposomes. For hydrophilic drugs encapsulated in the aqueous core (e.g. Doxil), release is governed by the liposomal membrane acting as a diffusion barrier. In contrast, hydrophobic drugs residing within the lipid bilayer (e.g. Visudyne) are released predominantly by partitioning, typically resulting in rapid redistribution.  Experimental investigation of drug release in complex physiological media such as serum remains challenging, and the underlying mechanisms of release and redistribution are still not fully understood. Two principal mechanisms have been proposed: diffusion-mediated transfer for drugs with moderate lipophilicity and collision-mediated transfer for highly hydrophobic drugs. Importantly, even in collision-mediated transfer, donor and acceptor particles do not come into direct contact, implying that diffusion through the aqueous phase remains essential.

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in applying computational and theoretical methods to provide a better understanding of the release of hydrophobic drugs from lipid nanocarriers. The candidate will hold a M.Sc. in pharmacy and preferably has previous experiences with scientific programming (e.g. Matlab, R). The candidate must be independent and fluent in English both oral and written. 

For further information about the position please contact Associate professor Judith Kuntsche (kuntsche@sdu.dk).
To read more about the PhD program at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, read more here. 
Starting date: 01.08.2026

Natural Science Research – Interdisciplinary Strength
The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. At the Department, we contribute to solving some of society’s greatest challenges within energy, environment, health, and sustainability. We succeed because we build bridges between disciplines and transcend traditional boundaries. Our interdisciplinary mindset is not only a fundamental condition, but also our strength. And it is a strength that ensures our research and education are recognized both nationally and internationally.

Our vision is to create and apply knowledge across the natural sciences. We are unique in housing research within physics, chemistry, and pharmacy under one department, which provides excellent opportunities to explore the intersections between these disciplines. Read more about our vision here.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.(the 5+3 programme).
Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) .
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information and date entries
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades.
• The names and complete contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) of at least two referees details for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.   

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply for a position at SDU" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.
If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.  

 We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.