Master's thesis; Delivery platform for vaccines and vaccine adjuvants

We are looking for two dedicated master’s students to join us in the Formulation Unit at RISE. 

The formulation unit is part of Chemical Processes and Pharmaceutical Development department at RISE, Stockholm. The unit conducts projects together with industry and academic partners from Sweden and across the world. 

Background
RNA-based therapies have shown to be a key technology in the development of vaccines, immunotherapies, and gene therapies. mRNAs flexibility in design and expression of antigens, as well as large-scale manufacturing potential, enable rapid vaccine development for infectious diseases.

The development of a new nanoparticle platform for delivering RNA adjuvants and mRNA vaccines holds tremendous potential for innovation in the field of vaccine technology and therapeutic delivery. One of the primary advantages of using nanoparticles for RNA delivery is their ability to protect fragile RNA molecules from degradation by nucleases in the body, thereby increasing the stability and longevity of the therapeutic. This protection is crucial for ensuring that the RNA reaches its target cells intact, allowing for the precise modulation of immune responses, which is particularly important in the context of adjuvants. RNA adjuvants, which can stimulate specific immune pathways, require targeted delivery to antigen-presenting cells to enhance the immune response without causing systemic inflammation. Nanoparticles can be engineered to optimize this delivery, improving the immune response while minimizing side effects.

Description
This project is dedicated to the development of nanoparticle platforms for delivering RNA adjuvants and mRNA vaccines. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems will be screened and evaluated for their ability to effectively encapsulate and protect mRNA and TLR agonists (adjuvants). The drug delivery systems will also be evaluated for their ability to co-deliver RNA adjuvants and mRNA vaccines within the same platform.

Key Responsibilities
Systematically develop and evaluate delivery systems for particle stability and aggregation, loading efficiency and release profile of RNA cargo and the ability to protect RNA from denaturation and truncation. The two main tasks of the thesis project are the following:

Phase I: Delivery system preparation and characterization

Phase II: Fabrication and characterization of RNA formulations  

The work will also include characterization and analysis of the formulations (for example: zeta-potential, Dynamic Light Scattering, IR, UV-Vis).  

Qualifications
For this diploma work, the student should be enrolled in a master program in pharmacy, chemistry, biotechnology/chemical engineering or similar. We expect you to have a good knowledge and understanding of nanomaterials and chemistry. It is beneficial if the candidate has background knowledge on drug formulation. It’s also a merit to have good laboratory practice and experience of working with RNA. 

Terms
Project period: Spring term 2025, 30 hp. Start upon agreement.
Placement: RISE, Malvinas väg 3, Stockholm.
Payment: 30,000 SEK after the thesis has been approved.  
For questions and more information, please contact Lina Nyström (lina.nystrom@ri.se, +46 10 516 65 33.)

Applications should include (1) a brief personal letter, (2) a CV, and (3) a recent grade transcript. Candidates are encouraged to send in their application as soon as possible, but at the latest by December 1, 2024. Suitable applicants will be interviewed as applications are received, and decision of acceptance can be made at any point.

Welcome with your application!