Research Topic The Nano4Neuro project aims to develop an innovative nanotechnology platform for the efficient delivery of therapeutic mRNA to the central nervous system, overcoming the biological barriers that currently limit brain delivery. The ultimate goal is to restore malin expression as a therapeutic strategy for Lafora disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. Nano4Neuro is a collaborative project involving three research groups with complementary expertise in nanomedicine, brain biology and Lafora disease. Within this consortium, the NanoTherapies Lab at IQS is responsible for the design, synthesis and characterization of functional polymers, as well as the development and optimization of hybrid nanoparticles combining polymeric and lipid components for mRNA delivery. The research associated with this position will focus primarily on organic and polymer chemistry, including the design, synthesis, functionalization and comprehensive physicochemical characterization of innovative polymers for biomedical applications. These polymers will be integrated into advanced nanoformulations, with particular emphasis on understanding and optimizing the relationship between polymer chemical structure, nanoparticle properties, biocompatibility and mRNA delivery efficiency. Brief Description of the Position The NanoTherapies Lab at IQS – Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona, Spain) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in organic chemistry and polymer synthesis to join our multidisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, synthesis, functionalization and physicochemical characterization of innovative polymers for biomedical applications, particularly in the development of advanced nanocarriers for therapeutic delivery. The position offers an opportunity to work at the interface of polymer chemistry, nanotechnology and biomedicine, within a multidisciplinary environment combining expertise in materials science, nanomedicine and biological evaluation. Tasks
• Design and synthesize novel functional polymers for biomedical and nanomedicine applications.
• Develop and optimize polymer synthesis and functionalization protocols.
• Perform comprehensive structural and physicochemical characterization of the synthesized polymers.
• Contribute to the formulation and optimization of polymer-based nanoparticles for therapeutic RNA delivery.
• Investigate relationships between polymer chemical structure, physicochemical properties and nanoparticle performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers in the biological evaluation of developed materials and nanoformulations.
• Analyze experimental data, prepare scientific reports and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals.




• Participate in research project activities and contribute to the supervision of junior researchers and students. Conditions
• Full-time postdoctoral research position.
• Duration: 24 months.
• Expected starting date: Early 2027.
• Workplace: IQS – Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.
• Integration into the NanoTherapies Lab, a multidisciplinary research group specializing in nanomedicine and advanced drug delivery.
• Access to research facilities for polymer synthesis, physicochemical characterization and nanoparticle development.
• Salary and employment conditions according to institutional policies and candidate experience. The Nano4Neuro Project has recently been selected under the CaixaResearch Health 2026 call for proposals and will be funded by the La Caixa Foundation. Requirements The position is particularly suitable for candidates with a strong chemistry background interested in translating their expertise in polymer synthesis into innovative biomedical applications. Experience in nanoparticle formulation and in vitro biological evaluation is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates with excellent polymer synthesis and characterization skills are strongly encouraged to apply. Academic Background Requirements
• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Strong academic background in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry.
• Demonstrated doctoral research experience involving the synthesis and characterization of functional polymers.
• Research experience related to biomedical applications, biomaterials, nanomedicine or drug delivery will be highly valued. Experience Requirements
• Proven hands-on experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, chemical modification and functionalization.
• Demonstrated experience in polymer purification and structural and physicochemical characterization.
• Experience in designing and optimizing synthetic routes for functional polymeric materials.
• Previous experience in the development of polymeric nanoparticles, nanoformulations or drug delivery systems will be considered a strong asset.
• Additional experience in biological evaluation, including in vitro cell culture and cell-based assays, will be highly valued.
• A scientific publication record relevant to the position will be positively assessed.



Technical Requirements
• Advanced knowledge of organic synthesis and polymer chemistry, using techniques such as RAFT polymerization and click chemistries.
• Practical expertise in polymer characterization techniques, particularly NMR, FTIR, GPC/SEC and other relevant analytical methods.
• Experience in polymer purification and assessment of molecular weight, dispersity and chemical structure.
• Familiarity with nanoparticle formulation and characterization techniques (e.g., DLS, zeta potential, NTA or electron microscopy) will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of polymeric biomaterials, biodegradable polymers and drug delivery applications will be valued.
• Experience with in vitro biological techniques, such as mammalian cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, cellular uptake or transfection studies, will be considered an additional asset.
• Good command of written and spoken English. Personal Skills Required
• High scientific motivation, creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, plan experiments and manage research activities.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigor.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn techniques beyond the candidate's primary field of expertise. Selection process Applications will be evaluated based on the candidate's academic background, relevant research experience, scientific publications and alignment with the position. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online or in-person interview. Applicants should submit a CV, a brief motivation letter and contact details of at least two academic references. Application Deadline is November 30 2026. Other information We are an equal opportunity employer. We promote equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly welcome applications from female candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level in this field of knowledge in our School. We also promote scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and societal progress. At IQS we look for professionals committed to both these values. IQS holds the HR Excellence in Research certification, which guarantees that our recruitment processes are based on the OTM-R principles (open, transparent and merit-based).

📌 Postdoctoral Researcher in Polymer Chemistry for Biomedical Applications (Barcelona)
🏢 IQS Barcelona
📍 Barcelona