PhD Position in Polymeric Drug Delivery and Corneal Infection Models (m/f/d)

Application deadline: 20/08/2026

The Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Würzburg invites applications for a PhD candidate (Dr. rer. nat.) within a research project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). (https://www.ukw.de/forschung/pressemitteilungen/detail/news/wenn-pilze-das-auge-bedrohen-1/). The position is offered at 65% of standard full-time working hours, with remuneration according to TV-L E13, and will be primarily based in the research laboratories of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Würzburg. As part of this interdisciplinary project, selected microbiological experiments, including fungal infection studies, will also be conducted in close collaboration with the laboratories of Prof. Dr. Oliver Kurzai at the Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. The candidate will therefore work across complementary research environments combining ocular drug delivery, advanced corneal models, medical mycology, and host-pathogen research.

• A scientifically challenging PhD project with direct clinical and translational relevance.
  
• Access to advanced facilities for nanoformulation development, pharmaceutical analysis, cell culture, microscopy, and three-dimensional ocular models.
• Structured doctoral training and the opportunity to pursue a Dr. rer. nat. degree at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg.
  
• Opportunities to present research at national and international scientific conferences.
  
• Employment at 65% according to TV-L E13, subject to the applicable institutional and funding regulations.
  
• A highly collaborative, international, and supportive working environment at the University Hospital Würzburg.
  
• A positive working atmosphere in a supportive team
  
• On-site daycare center with extended hours (5:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
  
• Option to use a company-provided public transportation pass

• Develop and optimize polymer-based nanocarriers for clinically relevant antifungal drugs.
• Investigate drug solubility, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, formulation stability, and physicochemical properties using techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Develop and validate analytical methods for drug quantification, particularly using HPLC and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Investigate antifungal drug release, corneal permeation, and transport across corneal barriers.
• Evaluate the cytocompatibility and biological activity of the developed formulations in ocular cell cultures.
• Evaluate the formulations in human-relevant in vitro and ex vivo models of fungal keratitis.
• Perform fluorescence imaging, immunostaining, viability assays, and molecular biological analyses, including RT-qPCR.
• Collaborate closely with project partners investigating fungal pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions.
• Present research results at internal research meetings and national and international conferences.
• Publish the research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Project Background

Fungal keratitis is a severe infection of the cornea that can lead to permanent corneal damage and substantial vision loss. Its treatment remains challenging because many clinically used antifungal drugs have limited solubility, insufficient corneal penetration, and inadequate availability at the site of infection. The DFG-funded project combines expertise in ophthalmology, drug delivery, biomaterials, medical mycology, and fungal infection biology. The overall objective is to develop improved therapeutic strategies against fungal keratitis, with a particular focus on infections caused by Fusarium species. The advertised PhD project will focus on the development of polymer-based nanoformulations for the delivery of clinically relevant antifungal drugs and their evaluation in human-relevant corneal infection models.

Applicants should have:

• A successfully completed Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology, Drug Delivery, Biomaterials, Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of pharmaceutical technology, biomaterials, ophthalmology, and infection biology.
• A structured, reliable, and responsible approach to experimental work.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Very good written and spoken English.
• Motivation to learn complementary methods in pharmaceutical formulation, ocular cell biology, and fungal infection research.

Practical experience in several of the following areas will be preferred:

• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture
• Development of nanoformulations or drug-delivery systems
• Three-dimensional tissue or organ models
• Pharmaceutical or bioanalytical methods, including HPLC or UV-Vis spectroscopy
• Microbiological or infection-related assays
• Fluorescence microscopy, immunostaining, or RT-qPCR

Previous experience in ocular research or working with fungal pathogens is desirable but not mandatory.

• Challenging, diverse and evolving area of responsibility
• Attractive salary according to TV-L incl. annual special payment
• Training and Continuing Education
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Company daycare center with extended opening hours
• Company sports program
• Flexible Working Hours
• JobBike
• Corporate Benefits