PhD on Treatment of Veterinary Patients with Liposomal Formulations

The treatment of leishmaniosis can cause toxicity. Encapsulating drugs in liposomes allows targeted delivery, reducing toxicity. This project aims to establish protocols and coordinate efforts to offer liposomal treatments to dogs with leishmaniosis. Liposomes with various lipid compositions and anti-leishmania drugs will be prepared and tested for quality and stability. Effective liposomes will be tested on infected canine macrophages for toxicity, efficacy, and uptake. The best formulation will be GMP-prepared, undergo quality control, and be tested for clinical efficacy in patients.

Your job
You will collaborate closely with veterinary clinicians and clinical pharmacists to develop protocols for the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) preparation of liposomal formulations. You take a lead role in the preparation and testing of liposomes with anti-leishmania drugs, focusing on quality control, stability, and efficacy.

You'll coordinate the project to offer liposomal treatments to veterinary patients, ensuring reproducibility and sterility of the final product. And evaluate the efficacy of liposomal formulations through clinical observation and parameter monitoring in veterinary patients.

We offer:

• a position for one year, which will be extended by three years upon satisfactory performance;
• a working week of 36 to 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

Our group is embedded in the Immunology group. You will collaborate closely with the department of Pharmaceutics for formulation and testing of liposomes, veterinary clinicians at the department of Clinical Sciences, and the pharmacy to develop protocols for GMP preparation of liposomal formulations. As a team, we prioritise effective collaboration, ongoing feedback, and both professional and personal development.