Fully Funded PhD Position in Lipid Interfaces, Gastrointestinal Biocorona and Drug Delivery at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland (2027)

The University of Fribourg in Switzerland is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Lipid Interfaces, Gastrointestinal Biocorona and Drug Delivery. The four-year doctoral position is available in the Department of Chemistry and is part of the European Research Council (ERC)-funded GI-CORONA research project.

This opportunity is suitable for graduates with a Master’s degree in Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline. Candidates interested in lipid digestion, colloid science, analytical chemistry, biophysics and oral drug delivery are encouraged to apply.

The selected PhD candidate will work on an interdisciplinary research project investigating how dietary lipids and lipid-based drug delivery systems interact with the biochemical environment of the gastrointestinal tract.

PhD Position Details

• Position: PhD in Lipid Interfaces, Gastrointestinal Biocorona and Drug Delivery
• University: University of Fribourg
• Department: Department of Chemistry
• Research Group: Group of Pascal Bertsch
• Research Project: GI-CORONA
• Country: Switzerland
• Funding: Fully funded PhD position
• Duration: Four years
• Expected Starting Date: First quarter of 2027
• Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
• Required Qualification: Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Application Method: Email application
• Application Email: [email protected]

The vacancy was published by the University of Fribourg on 26 October 2026. Interested applicants should prepare their application documents and contact the research group before the stated deadline.

About the GI-CORONA Research Project

The PhD position is part of GI-CORONA, a research project titled “The Gastrointestinal Biocorona: The Missing Link in Lipid Digestion and Oral Drug Delivery.” The project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.

The research investigates how biological molecules interact with lipid surfaces inside the gastrointestinal tract. When lipid-based materials enter a biological environment, proteins and other biomolecules can associate with their surfaces and form a biological layer known as a biocorona.

This process may influence how lipids are digested and how lipid-based drug delivery systems behave in the digestive tract. Understanding these interactions could help researchers develop improved systems for delivering medicines orally.

The GI-CORONA project aims to identify the composition of the gastrointestinal biocorona, investigate its effects on lipid digestion and improve the design of lipid-based drug delivery systems.

According to the European Commission’s CORDIS project information, the research will use advanced proteomics approaches and improved in vitro digestion models to study these biological interactions.

The wider European research project has an EU contribution of approximately €1.5 million and is scheduled to run from January 2027 to December 2031. This is the project funding, not the individual PhD salary.

Research Responsibilities and What the PhD Student Will Do

The successful candidate will contribute to experimental research involving lipid-based colloidal systems, lipid digestion and oral drug delivery.

The main research responsibilities include:

• Formulating and developing lipid-based colloidal systems.
• Investigating the digestion of lipid systems under different physicochemical conditions.
• Studying the interactions between lipid interfaces and biomolecules present in gastrointestinal fluids.
• Analysing how gastrointestinal biocorona formation influences lipid digestion.
• Using experimental findings to improve lipid-based drug delivery formulations.
• Contributing to research involving colloid science, analytical chemistry, applied biophysics and pharmaceutical sciences.

The PhD researcher will also have opportunities to develop scientific publications, present research findings at international conferences and build an independent scientific profile.

Eligibility Criteria for the Fully Funded PhD in Switzerland

Applicants must have a relevant academic background and experimental research experience. The University of Fribourg is particularly interested in candidates with knowledge of colloid science, analytical chemistry, lipid digestion or oral drug delivery.

Required Academic Qualifications

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in one of the following fields:

• Food Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• A related scientific or engineering discipline

Research Experience and Skills

Candidates should have a solid theoretical foundation and experimental research experience in at least one relevant area, such as:

• Colloid science and interfacial science
• Analytical chemistry
• Lipid digestion
• Oral drug delivery

Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to plan experiments, evaluate scientific data critically, work independently and contribute to a collaborative research team.

Additional Skills That Can Strengthen an Application

The following research experiences are considered advantageous:

• Design and characterization of emulsions, liposomes and lipid nanoparticles.
• Experience with colloidal characterization using imaging, rheological and scattering techniques.
• Experience in interfacial characterization.
• Analytical chemistry experience, particularly liquid chromatography.
• Knowledge of proteomics or lipidomics.
• Experience with in vitro lipid digestion methods, particularly INFOGEST.
• Drug delivery research, including drug-release experiments and formulation development.
• Experience with cell culture and intestinal permeability assays.

Applicants do not need to have experience in every technique listed above. The university specifically states that this is an interdisciplinary project and candidates are expected to have a strong foundation in experimental colloid science, analytical chemistry or pharmaceutical science, together with the motivation to learn additional techniques.

English Language Requirements

Applicants should have good written and spoken English skills because the position involves experimental research, scientific communication and collaboration within an interdisciplinary research environment.

PhD Funding and Benefits

The University of Fribourg advertises this as a fully funded PhD position with a duration of four years.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in an ERC-funded research project and receive training in advanced experimental research methods.

The advertised research and professional development opportunities include:

• Participation in a European Research Council-funded research project.
• Training in lipid digestion and interfacial science.
• Experience with advanced analytical and experimental techniques.
• Research exposure across biophysics, colloid science and pharmaceutical sciences.
• Opportunities to publish scientific articles.
• Opportunities to present research at international conferences.
• Development of an interdisciplinary research profile.

Funding clarification: Although the university describes the position as fully funded, the vacancy announcement does not publish a specific monthly salary, stipend amount or detailed breakdown of benefits. Applicants should contact the supervisor to confirm the gross salary, employment conditions, social insurance and any applicable doctoral fees.

How to Apply for the University of Fribourg PhD Position

Interested candidates must submit their applications directly by email to the research group of Pascal Bertsch at the University of Fribourg.

The official vacancy announcement requests two main application documents:

1. Updated Academic CV

Prepare an up-to-date academic CV outlining your educational background, research experience, laboratory skills, publications, academic projects and relevant technical knowledge.

Make sure your CV includes the contact details of two academic or professional references, as requested by the university.

2. Brief Cover Letter

Prepare a brief cover letter explaining your research background and motivation for joining the GI-CORONA project.

Your letter should explain how your academic qualifications, laboratory experience and research interests relate to lipid interfaces, gastrointestinal biocorona, lipid digestion or drug delivery.

Recommended Email Subject

Application for PhD Position – Lipid Interfaces and Drug Delivery

Attach your CV and cover letter to the email and send your application before 1 December 2026.

The official advertisement does not list a research proposal or additional documents as mandatory initial application requirements. Applicants should follow any further instructions provided by the research group.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the fully funded PhD position in Lipid Interfaces, Gastrointestinal Biocorona and Drug Delivery is 1 December 2026.

The successful candidate is expected to start in the first quarter of 2027. Applicants are advised to submit their documents early and contact the supervisor if they need clarification about the application process.

About the University of Fribourg, Switzerland

The University of Fribourg is a public university located in Fribourg, Switzerland. It offers research and doctoral training across several academic disciplines.

This PhD position is based in the university’s Department of Chemistry and is connected with its Food Research and Innovation Center.

The successful applicant will work in the research group of Pascal Bertsch, a senior researcher at the University of Fribourg, and contribute to an interdisciplinary scientific project connecting food science, chemistry, biophysics and pharmaceutical research.

Applicants who receive approval from a thesis supervisor must also complete the university’s formal doctoral admission and enrollment procedures. Supervisor approval alone does not automatically guarantee admission to a doctoral programme.

Official university website: University of Fribourg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the PhD position at the University of Fribourg fully funded?

Yes. The University of Fribourg advertises this as a fully funded PhD position lasting four years. However, the official vacancy does not specify the exact salary or monthly stipend. Applicants should contact the supervisor to obtain details about the financial package and employment conditions.

2. What is the application deadline for this PhD position?

The application deadline is 1 December 2026. Applications should be emailed to the research group before this date.

3. What academic qualifications are required?

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline. They should also have relevant theoretical knowledge and experimental research experience.

4. Do applicants need experience in all the listed research techniques?

No. The university does not expect candidates to be experienced in every technique. A strong background in at least one relevant area, such as colloid science, analytical chemistry, lipid digestion or pharmaceutical science, is expected. Additional skills in proteomics, lipidomics, INFOGEST digestion, emulsions and drug delivery are advantageous.

5. Which documents are required to apply?

Applicants must submit an academic CV containing the contact details of two references and a brief cover letter describing their research background and motivation for joining the GI-CORONA project.

6. Can international students apply for this PhD in Switzerland?

The vacancy announcement does not specify a nationality restriction. However, applicants with international qualifications should confirm their eligibility for doctoral admission and any applicable administrative requirements with the university. The university’s Graduate Campus provides information about PhD admission and enrollment procedures.

7. When will the selected PhD candidate start?

The expected starting period is the first quarter of 2027. The advertised PhD position has a duration of four years.

Official Application Link and Contact Details

Candidates interested in this opportunity should read the original vacancy announcement before submitting their applications.

Official PhD Advertisement: View the University of Fribourg PhD Vacancy

Research Project: GI-CORONA Project – European Commission

PhD Admission Information: University of Fribourg PhD Enrollment

Send Your Application by Email

Eligible candidates can send their CV and brief cover letter directly to the principal investigator using the email link below.

Email Your CV and Cover Letter

Application Email: [email protected]

Last checked: 4 November 2026. Applicants should verify the deadline and application instructions on the official university website before submitting their documents.