PhD in Science and Technology of Bio and Nanomaterials

PhD in
Science and Technology of Bio and Nanomaterials

Calls for applications
Annual call a.y. 2023/2024 - 39th cycle

Ca' Foscari University has opened the call for applications for the PhD programmes 39th cycle (a.y. 2023/2024)
The application for admission must be completed, via the online procedure, by Wednesday 31 May 2023 - 1.00 pm (Italian time)

All information about the procedures for participating in the competition is available in the annual call.

For further information, please contact the PhD Office (phd.application@unive.it)

Deadlines

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Why Science and technology of bio and nanomaterials?

The PhD programme in Sustainable Chemistry is a higher education initiative starting from September 2023 at the Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems (DSMN) that aims at going beyond traditional Chemistry PhD courses by specifically tackling sustainable research strategies in the design and development of new chemical processes, products and materials.
The overall objective of the PhD program is to shape young talents to play a pivotal role in the ideation, design and development of innovative solutions for a sustainable society.
The Sustainable Chemistry PhD program consists in a highly innovative multidisciplinary approach fostering the integration of sustainable processes into the various areas of chemistry thus providing solutions to present and medium-term requests of the Chemical Industry, and societal needs.

The programme is taught entirely in English. 
Students need to have an English language proficiency of at least B2 level.
The Students will have the opportunity to develop their own research projects in the scientific structures of Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems DSMN.

Laboratories at DSMN are provided with chemical hoods to conduct synthesis of organic and inorganic materials and modern analytical equipment. Departmental laboratories are also available for the use of advanced analytical instruments such as transmission and scanning electron microscopes (TEM and SEM), multinuclear NMR spectrometers, atomic force microscopes, electrochemical apparatuses (potentiostats, impedance analyser, scanning electrochemical microscope). New laboratories for molecular and cellular biology research include outstanding platforms for molecular and cellular biology studies such as: cell culture hoods, CO2 incubator, real-time PCR, Fluorescence Microscope, flow cytometry cell analyser, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) system, Gel Doc imaging instrument and documentation system, Digital Dispenser for multiple reactions, Plate reader for absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence.

The scientific area library (BAS) and Ca' Foscari Digital Library permit the access to the network of the most widely used databases and scientific journals.

Laboratories in CRO are equipped to train graduate students in advanced experimental studies in the various fields of chemistry, biology, and molecular and transversal medicine. Every single CRO laboratory is provided with basic and advanced equipment, organized in core facilities, such as the latest DNA sequencer, imaging and  flow cytometry. The Scientific Library is specialized in oncology and related biomedical sciences.

PhD overview

International PhD with:

Kyoto Istitute of Technology

PhD in partnership with:

CRO Aviano

Collaborative PhD with:

Explora Biotech pioneering nature

Educational aims

The aim of this PhD programme is to acquire an in-depth knowledge in these fields:

  • to develop the ability to collaborate and compete with specialists coming from different disciplines.
  • to use specialized literature and reviews characterized by a multidisciplinary content.
  • to use specialized knowledge in an interdisciplinary context when this is characterized by a strong applicative value.
  • to learn how to communicate the research results to different target audiences, to manage the intellectual property rights and to exploit their possible industrial development.
  • to manage interdisciplinary projects, together with experts from various disciplines, with the aim to develop materials and techniques in the frame of chemico-physico-biological analyses useful for the development of bio-nanotechnologies applied to nano-medicine.

Research themes

  • Theranostics: synthesis of organic (polymeric and/or micelles) or inorganic (mesoporous) nanostructures for drug delivery and as contrast medium for optical and/or magnetic imaging; study of the interaction of these nanostructures with the biological environment and their efficacy for in vivo and in vitro targeting.
  • Advanced ceramic materials for medical applications (prostheses or prosthesis coatings); study of their interaction with biological systems, of degradation processes and the formation of biofilms.
  • Simulation and numerical design of nanostructures obtained via self-assembly of anisotropic objects, or via folding of DNA and proteins.
  • Electrochemical biosensors for the determination of contaminating ions in water and in foods and / or small molecules (e.g. drugs) in plasma. Study of the interphases between inorganic, organic and biological systems using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) and AFM with high spatial resolution.
  • Development, production and application of targeted therapies in human diseases.
  • Development of innovative in vitro evaluation systems of the interaction among nanosystems, tissues and organs to limit the use of in vivo tests (Organoids).
  • Evaluation of the impact produced by new technologies; management of technology transfer from laboratory to industry.
  • Catalytic & photocatalytic organic & inorganic nanomaterials.
  • Composite nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications.
  • Nanomaterials for information technology.
  • An agreement is running with Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste for materials characterization through x-ray techniques.

Professional profiles

The spectrum of employment opportunities for a PhD graduate in Science and Technology of Bio-NanoMaterials is wide.
Firstly, the PhD graduate can work as a researcher in public and private structures where there are required figures able to independently manage research projects that involve the interaction of specialists from various disciplines. The typical structures in which the PhD graduates can be employed will be universities, hospitals, research centers, chemical and pharmaceutical industries in which they will work as researcher, research and development manager, quality control in charge of project or laboratory.
The PhD graduate will also be able to hold positions of scientific and managerial responsibility in other services and industrial sectors of advanced technology both in nanotechnology and biotechnology, such as the biomedical, sensorial, pharmaceutical and bio-technology sectors.

Agenda

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