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.
- 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

📌 Postdoctoral Researcher In Polymer Chemistry For Biomedical Applications (Cataluña)
🏢 IQS Barcelona
📍 Cataluña