PhD – Targeted Radioenhancing Nanoparticles for Neuroblastoma University of Basel / SNI, Switzerland

Nanomaterials, Cancer Research, Chemistry, Drug Delivery, Nanoscience, PHD, Research, Research & Development
Basel, Switzerland
29 September 2026
Fixed Term Full Time Fully Funded PhD PhD Opportunity PhD position Research

Job Description

Organization: University of Basel / Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI)

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Position: PhD – Targeted Radioenhancing Nanoparticles for Neuroblastoma (P2602)

Employment: 100% full-time, 4 years

Project Overview

This PhD project aims to develop ultrasmall hafnium oxide nanoparticles that can be administered intravenously and targeted to neuroblastoma tumours to improve radiotherapy for high-risk neuroblastoma, a paediatric cancer associated with poor outcomes and limited treatment options.

Conventional radio-chemotherapy can be constrained by toxicity to healthy tissues. Radioenhancing nanoparticles offer a potential approach to increasing local tumour damage during irradiation without simply increasing the X-ray dose. Hafnium oxide is a promising material for this purpose because hafnium strongly absorbs X-rays, enhancing local energy deposition and free-radical generation during irradiation.

Although clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of radioenhancing nanoparticles, existing approaches often rely on direct injection of relatively large particles into tumours, limiting their use to accessible tumour sites. This project seeks to address these limitations by developing ultrasmall nanoparticles suitable for intravenous delivery and tumour targeting.

The research will combine nanochemistry, nanoparticle surface engineering and translational cancer research, with the goal of evaluating therapeutic performance in neuroblastoma organoids and supporting preclinical assessment in physiologically relevant three-dimensional models.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimise ultrasmall hafnium oxide nanoparticles for potential use as radiotherapy enhancers.
  • Investigate nanoparticle properties relevant to circulation, intravenous delivery and tumour targeting.
  • Apply nanoparticle synthesis and surface-chemistry approaches to improve therapeutic performance.
  • Evaluate nanoparticle behaviour and treatment potential using neuroblastoma organoids and 3D biological models.
  • Contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of nanochemistry and cancer biology.
  • Participate in research activities within the University of Basel, the Swiss Nanoscience Institute and its PhD school.

Required Qualifications

  • A degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry.
  • Experience in either nanoparticle research or biochemical/biological research.
  • Curiosity about both the chemical and biological aspects of the project.
  • Proficiency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Relevant practical experience in nanoparticle synthesis, surface chemistry or nanomaterial characterisation.
  • Experience in biochemical or biological research, including work with cell-based models.
  • An interest in nanomedicine, cancer research, targeted drug delivery or radiotherapy.

The advertisement does not specify which additional qualifications are mandatory; applicants should consult the official vacancy page for full eligibility criteria.

Employment Details

  • Position reference: P2602.
  • Employment level: 100% full-time.
  • Duration: 4 years.
  • Earliest starting date: 1 January 2027.
  • Funding and employment: Paid PhD position with competitive employment conditions; the exact salary is not specified in the supplied advertisement.

Salary & Benefits

The University of Basel and the Swiss Nanoscience Institute offer:

  • Competitive employment conditions.
  • An excellent scientific and social environment.
  • Membership in a supportive research community.
  • Participation in the SNI PhD school, which brings together researchers across nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry, quantum physics, biochemistry, cell biology and medical research.

Application Documents

The supplied vacancy information does not list the required documents individually. Applicants should consult the online application platform for the complete document checklist.

English Language Requirement

Proficiency in English is required. No specific test score or accepted language-test list is stated in the supplied vacancy information.

Supervisor(s)/Contact

For questions about the position or the SNI PhD programme, contact:

Dr. Andreas Baumgartner
Head of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) PhD Programme
Email: [email protected]

Applicants may also contact the project leaders directly.

Application Deadline

31 December 2026.

The vacancy may be filled before the deadline, so early application is advisable.

Starting Date

1 January 2027 at the earliest.

Reference

P2602

External Link

Location

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