Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network

guideSkin - Bridging regulatory science and innovation for dermal generics and advanced skin therapies

guideSkin is an EU-funded MSCA Industrial Doctoral offering 15 fully funded PhD positions at the cutting edge of cutaneous drug development. Brining together six European universities with leading pharma manufacturers and technology-driven SMEs, the research and training programme will transform how dermal medicines and generics are developed, evaluated and approved in line with the new EMA Guidelien on Quality and Equivalence of Cutaneous Products. The guideSkin Doctoral Candidates will benefit from extended industrial secondments, hands-on work in advanced research facilities, interdisciplinary coursework and dedicated transferable-skills training.

What guideSkin will offer

• A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.
• The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
• A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
• A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.
• A competitive salary including mobility and family allowances.

DC14: Evaluation of formulation and skin properties of relevance for the quality and equivalence of microneedle systems

Host institution: University College Cork (UCC), School of Pharmacy, Ireland

Supervisor: Dr. Sonja Vucen

Co-supervisors: Dr Evin Allen, University College Cork (Academic); Dr. Stephan Schaller, ESQlabs GmbH (Industrial)

Project description: Microneedle array patches represent an innovative drug delivery platform capable of delivering active substances across the skin barrier, including molecules that are otherwise unable to penetrate. However, there is currently no established regulatory framework for their quality assessment and equivalence evaluation under the EMA guideline.

This project aims to establish a comprehensive framework for predictive characterisation of microneedle array patches, focusing on properties critical for product quality and skin performance. The work will investigate critical quality attributes including microstructure, geometry, mechanical strength, stability, puncture performance and drug release behaviour. Experimental studies will involve fabrication of microneedle systems with varying design parameters, followed by characterisation using advanced analytical and mechanical testing methods. IVRT and IVPT studies will be conducted to assess drug release and penetration, with particular attention to establishing in vitro–in vivo correlations.

The project will define harmonised testing protocols and acceptance criteria for microneedle systems and integrate these into predictive modelling frameworks developed within the network. The outcomes will provide the basis for regulatory evaluation and support future guideline development for innovative dermal delivery systems.

Host laboratory: The doctoral candidate will be hosted at the School of Pharmacy, University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. The school provides a leading research environment in advanced drug delivery systems, including microneedle technologies, with strong expertise in formulation development, characterisation and performance testing. The laboratory offers comprehensive infrastructure for mechanical testing, analytical characterisation and permeation studies.

Secondments: This project is carried out in collaboration with the following company partners, and extended mobility to their laboratories is expected during the project:

• 6 months at LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG, Germany (supervisor: Dr. Patrick Mohr)
• 12 months at ESQlabs GmbH, Germany (supervisor: Dr. Stephan Schaller)

A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential.

Eligibility conditions:

• To have less than four years’ research experience (full-time equivalent) after obtaining their Bechelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Must not hold a PhD degree at the time of recruitment.
• Comply with the mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Republic of Ireland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
• Must meet the requirement for registering PhD programme at University College Cork, including:
• Hold at least a 2:1 equivalent Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Industrial Pharmacy or related fields.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language. For IELTS Academic, a minimum overall score of 6.5 is required, with no individual component below 6.0 (or equivalent scores in other recognised English language tests). The test must have been completed within the previous two years. Further details are available at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/

Required skills:

• Profound knowledge on pharmaceutical technology, ideally with prior knowledge on the design and physico-chemical and/or biopharmaceutical evaluation of semi-solid formulations for cutaneous use.

Remuneration:

The Doctoral Candidate will receive a gross yearly salary of ~74,000 EUR in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme, including a living and mobility allowance. This amount corresponds to the contractual gross salary and is indicated before deduction of employer costs, employee taxes and social security contributions. An additional family allowance (if applicable) is foreseen. The net salary will depend on local taxation, social security and employment regulations.

Enquiries:

For general information about the guideSkin Industrial Doctorate visit the project website at https://guideskin.eu/. Recruitment will be managed by the respective host or recruiting organisation. For additional information on this project, please contact Dr Sonja Vucen at svucen@ucc.ie