PhD – Scalable Lipid Nanoparticle Purification Technologies TU Delft, Netherlands

Chemical Engineering, Computational Materials Science, Drug Delivery, Nanomaterials, Nanomedicine, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Research, Research & Development
Delft, Netherlands
29 September 2026
Fixed Term Full Time Fully Funded PhD PhD Opportunity PhD position Research

Job Description

Organization: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences – Precision Therapeutics Group, Chemical Engineering Department

Location: Delft, Netherlands

Position: PhD Position – Scalable Lipid Nanoparticle Purification Technologies

Project Overview

TU Delft is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the SPARC (Scalable Personalized Nanotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment) research programme, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on improving the effectiveness and accessibility of advanced cancer therapies through nanomedicine and process engineering.

The project is a shared position between the Precision Therapeutics Group, led by Dr. Alina Rwei, in the Chemical Engineering Department and the Complex Fluid Processing Group, led by Prof. Johan Padding, in the Process & Energy Department. The position will formally be based within the Precision Therapeutics Group.

The research focuses on developing scalable purification technologies for lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which are increasingly important as drug-delivery systems. Manufacturing streams for lipid-based nanoparticles can contain solvents, lipids and unencapsulated drug components that need to be removed through dilution and subsequent ultra- or diafiltration.

Current purification approaches, including alternating tangential flow filtration, can result in the loss of valuable lipid nanoparticles and membrane fouling. These limitations can reduce process efficiency and require costly membrane replacement.

The PhD project will develop innovative purification systems that minimise nanoparticle loss while maximising throughput. The research will combine computational fluid dynamics modelling with experimental validation and will investigate alternative membrane materials, novel filtration-flow geometries and modular purification-system designs.

The project is embedded within a strong academic–industrial network, including collaborations with pharmaceutical partners such as Merck KGaA and Johnson & Johnson.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop computational models of lipid nanoparticle purification processes using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
  • Investigate flow, diffusion and filtration behaviour in tangential flow filtration systems.
  • Implement models and correlations describing fouling build-up and its impact on filtration capacity.
  • Develop novel filtration-flow geometries that balance high production throughput with minimal mechanical stress on lipid nanoparticles.
  • Investigate alternative membrane materials for lipid nanoparticle purification.
  • Experimentally verify the performance of alternative membranes.
  • Investigate modularisation strategies for purification systems.
  • Experimentally evaluate modular purification-train concepts, including the use of quick connectors.
  • Collaborate with research teams within the SPARC consortium.
  • Contribute to interdisciplinary research investigating the molecular mechanisms and engineering aspects of membrane fouling.
  • Communicate research findings through scientific publications, presentations and collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Required Qualifications

  • MSc or equivalent degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nanotechnology or a related field.
  • An analytical mindset and ability to work across computational and experimental research.
  • Excellent communication skills in English.
  • Ability and willingness to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
  • Experience with pharmaceutical downstream processing.
  • Knowledge of filtration, membrane technology or process engineering.
  • Experience with computational modelling and experimental validation.
  • Interest in nanomedicine, lipid nanoparticles or drug-delivery technologies.

Employment Details

  • Employment: Full-time, 1.0 FTE.
  • Working hours: 38–40 hours per week.
  • Duration: 4 years in principle.
  • The PhD employment is structured as two contracts:
    • An initial 1.5-year contract with an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months.
    • A subsequent 2.5-year contract, subject to satisfactory progress and performance requirements.
  • The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School.
  • The Doctoral Education Programme provides training in transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

Salary & Benefits

The salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

  • Year 1 to Year 4: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month.
  • Holiday allowance: 8%.
  • End-of-year bonus: 8.3%.
  • Customisable compensation package.
  • Discounts on health insurance.
  • Monthly work-cost contribution.
  • Flexible work schedules may be arranged.

TU Delft also provides support for international employees relocating to the Netherlands through its Coming to Delft Service. A Dual Career Programme is available to support an accompanying partner with their job search.

Research Environment

The project is part of the SPARC programme, which brings together academic and industrial partners to advance personalised nanomedicine for cancer treatment.

The Faculty of Applied Sciences at TU Delft is an interdisciplinary research environment covering areas including nanoscience, biotechnology, chemical engineering, quantum technology, photonics, materials science and engineering physics.

The PhD candidate will work across computational and experimental research and collaborate with researchers in the Precision Therapeutics and Complex Fluid Processing groups as well as other SPARC consortium teams.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • A detailed CV.
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts or grade reports.
  • A cover letter outlining motivation and relevant experience.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide the contact details of three referees, with their consent.

Applications should be addressed to Dr. Alina Rwei.

English Language Requirement

English proficiency is required for admission to a TU Delft PhD programme. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific publications and the final PhD thesis.

Applicants should consult TU Delft’s Graduate Schools Admission Requirements for the applicable English-language requirements.

Supervisor(s)/Contact

Dr. Alina Rwei
Precision Therapeutics Group
Chemical Engineering Department
TU Delft
Email: [email protected]

The project also involves collaboration with the Complex Fluid Processing Group led by Prof. Johan Padding in the Process & Energy Department.

Application Deadline

6 October 2026

Applications must be submitted online through the TU Delft application system. Applications submitted by email or post will not be processed.

Starting Date

Not specified in the supplied vacancy information.

Reference

Job ID: 3773

External Link

Location

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