PhD positions: -TRACT; OligoNucleotide Technologies

2. Send all required documents as a single PDF file to  3. The project documents may indicate further institution specific steps to be undertaken. Links related to this second step may not yet be active. DC-1:
Exploring the use of biocatalysis in synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients;
University of Cambridge, UK. This project pioneers ultrahigh-throughput enzyme evolution to create efficient biocatalysts for pharmaceutical synthesis. Combining advanced mutagenesis, nanopore sequencing, and machine learning, it delivers novel enzymes and deep insights into sequence-function relationships. DC-2:
Synthesis Methodology and New Oligonucleotide Constructs for Enhanced Delivery;
Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. Focused on overcoming drug delivery challenges, this research develops innovative oligonucleotide bioconjugates with targeting ligands like peptides and antibodies. The goal is to boost therapeutic performance through cutting‑edge conjugation strategies and in vitro/in vivo evaluation. DC-3:
Synthesis of building blocks for ON constructs, upscaling, and substrates for directed enzyme evolution;
Research Institutes of Sweden, Sweden. This project creates versatile oligonucleotide conjugates by integrating lipids, peptides, and proteins for advanced biomedical applications. It emphasizes novel linkers and click‑compatible entities to enable collaborative testing across the consortium. DC-4:
Synthesis of building blocks for evolution of polymerases;
University of Southampton, UK. We aim to revolutionize PCR‑based technologies by designing dynamic combinatorial libraries for DNA templating. This approach will evolve new ligases and polymerases, opening pathways for innovative cancer‑targeted therapies. DC-5:
Photochemical methods for the synthesis of conjugates;
Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland. This research develops light‑driven conjugation methods for precise and biocompatible synthesis of DNA and peptide conjugates. Using red‑light‑induced thiol‑ene click reactions, it targets advanced drug delivery systems for B‑cells and lung tissue. DC-6:
Synthesis of oligonucleotides and conjugates for targeted inhaled delivery to the lung;
University of Southampton, UK. This project develops antisense oligonucleotides and conjugates for targeted delivery to lung tissue, addressing diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, and COPD. It focuses on optimizing receptor‑specific conjugation, linker properties, and lung‑relevant deposition methods, validated using advanced organoid models. DC-7:
Delivery of ONs for targeted inhaled administration with the focus on chronic lung diseases such as lung cancer, asthma and COPD;
Uppsala Universitet, Sweden. This research investigates the localization, uptake, and pharmacokinetics of oligonucleotide therapeutics in lung tissue using in vivo, ex vivo, and advanced in vitro models. The project aims to optimize formulations and administration routes for improved exposure and efficacy in chronic lung diseases. DC-8:
Lung organoids as model for studying ONs delivery;
University of Udine, Italy. This project establishes lung organoids as a platform to study oligonucleotide uptake, trafficking, and gene‑regulatory activity. It evaluates diverse chemistries and delivery strategies, with a focus on targeting oncogenic mRNA structures for selective translational modulation. DC-9:
Gelating peptide‑PNA hybrids for sustained ON delivery;
Universiteit Gent, Belgium. The project designs peptide‑PNA hybrids forming shear‑thinning hydrogels for controlled oligonucleotide release and cellular uptake. It combines synthesis, rheological characterization, and formulation studies to enable sustained delivery in lung organoid models. DC-10:
Aerosol technology for inhaled delivery in vitro using pulmonary cell models;
Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM), France. This research explores nebulization‑based formulations for inhaled oligonucleotide delivery, analyzing aerosol properties and deposition patterns. It integrates advanced in vitro lung models to study drug transport and optimize pulmonary delivery systems for…