Thesis Work, 45/60 Credits - Targeted intestinal advanced drug delivery development

Are you passionate about drug delivery and interested in advancing targeted delivery technologies for inflammatory bowel disease? Join our team in Gothenburg and investigate how mesoporous silica nanoparticles could enhance drug delivery to inflamed colonic tissue.

About AstraZeneca:

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centred biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.

About the Opportunity:

As a Thesis Worker at AstraZeneca, you’ll find an environment that’s full of unique opportunities and exciting challenges. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your areas of interest whilst equally developing a broad skillset and knowledge base to get the best out of your experience. You’ll be working on meaningful projects to make an impact and deliver real value for our patients and our business.

Thesis work description:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition with increasing incidence worldwide. Current treatments often require lifelong administration and may be associated with adverse effects, steroid dependence, and limited efficacy. In addition, the complex biology of IBD and the variability in treatment response create significant challenges in developing effective therapies for all patients.

Advanced drug delivery systems that enable targeted and controlled release of therapeutic agents at diseased tissues could support more effective and precise treatment strategies. In this project, you will investigate the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to enhance drug delivery to inflamed colonic tissue, with the overall aim of developing a targeted oral drug delivery system for the local treatment of IBD.

We are looking for a motivated master’s thesis student to join a drug delivery project within AstraZeneca’s Small Molecule Product Discovery and Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences organisation in Gothenburg. The project is part of an industrial PhD collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy at Uppsala University.

The project will be primarily laboratory-based and will focus on in vitro studies. You will produce mesoporous silica nanoparticles using a sol–gel method and investigate their suitability for drug delivery. The work will include nanoparticle characterisation, drug loading, and evaluation of drug release using relevant in vitro assays. You will also analyse and interpret experimental data in the context of developing precision treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.

What you will gain:

• Hands-on experience in advanced drug delivery: Learn about oral drug delivery systems and approaches for targeted treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
• Nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation: Develop practical experience in producing and characterising mesoporous silica nanoparticles.
• Drug loading and release studies: Gain experience with loading therapeutic compounds into nanoparticles and evaluating their release profiles.
• In vitro experimental skills: Plan and perform laboratory experiments using relevant analytical and assay techniques.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Learn how to analyse experimental results and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Insight into drug development: Understand how drug delivery technologies can support the discovery and development of novel therapies.
• Translational research experience: Explore how academic research can be translated into potential therapeutic applications.
• Scientific communication: Present your work to multidisciplinary scientific teams and gain experience working in a collaborative industrial research environment.

Placement:  

This is an on-site position at AstraZeneca Gothenburg.

Please note, AstraZeneca does not support with accommodations for this role

Structure:

• Duration: Start Spring 2027
• Credits: 45/60

Essential Requirements:

• Enrolled in a master's program within Pharmaceutics, Drug Discovery and Development, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, Biomedicine, Biotechnology or a related field
• Excellent English communication skills, including speaking, presenting and scientific writing. 
• Ability to work independently and an interest in experimental research and drug development.
• Experience with nanoparticles, drug delivery systems, HPLC or other analytical methods, or in vitro assays would be highly advantageous.
• Ability to analyse experimental data and communicate scientific findings clearly.

So, what’s next?

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!

We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date November 04, 2026. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.

Date Posted

Closing Date