The positions provide an opportunity to pursue doctoral research while gaining international experience and collaborating with academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies. In this guide, we explore all 15 research opportunities, eligibility requirements, funding benefits, application deadlines and the steps involved in applying.
1. About the MSCA IDEAS Doctoral Network
IDEAS stands for Improving Drug Efficacy with next-generation Amorphous Materials and Trained Experts. The network addresses an important challenge in pharmaceutical development: improving the solubility, stability and delivery of medicines.
Many promising drug compounds dissolve poorly in water. Consequently, the body may struggle to absorb them effectively. Researchers are exploring amorphous pharmaceutical materials to improve their dissolution and potential bioavailability.
The IDEAS project brings together universities, research organisations and pharmaceutical industry partners across Europe. Moreover, doctoral researchers will receive interdisciplinary training and opportunities for international research visits.
The programme combines scientific research with industrial experience. Therefore, it can benefit graduates who want careers in academia, pharmaceutical research or drug development.
2. Available Fully Funded PhD Positions and Research Areas
The network offers 15 doctoral positions across several European countries. Each position focuses on a specific research challenge.
The available research opportunities include:
| Position | Research area | Country |
|---|---|---|
| DC1 | Co-crystallisation and co-amorphisation for improved drug dissolution | Italy |
| DC2 | Eutectic and amorphous pharmaceutical mixtures | Spain |
| DC3 | Effects of elevated pressure on co-amorphous pharmaceuticals | Poland |
| DC4 | Engineering and manufacturing of co-amorphous materials | Belgium |
| DC5 | Molecular interactions in pharmaceutical co-crystals | Belgium |
| DC6 | Computational modelling of drug-polymer interactions | France |
| DC7 | Advanced polymers for improved drug stability and release | Poland |
| DC8 | Chiral control of amorphous drug formulations | Belgium |
| DC9 | Hybrid eutectic-polymer pharmaceutical systems | Ireland |
| DC10 | Extrusion technologies for pharmaceutical manufacturing | Czech Republic |
| DC11 | Predictive modelling of complex amorphous bioactive molecules | France |
| DC12 | Silica-biopolymer nanocomposites for controlled drug release | Portugal |
| DC13 | Hybrid nanoparticles for biopharmaceutical delivery | Spain |
| DC14 | Electromagnetically activated 4D biopharmaceutical materials | Italy |
| DC15 | Sustainable microfluidic manufacturing of drug delivery systems | Germany |
These projects cover experimental and computational research. For example, some candidates will investigate molecular interactions, while others will develop nanoparticles or advanced manufacturing techniques.
Importantly, applicants should examine individual project descriptions before selecting a position. The required academic background and research experience vary between projects.
3. Funding Benefits and Research Opportunities
One of the main attractions of these opportunities is their funding through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme.
According to the EURAXESS announcement, the monthly EU funding contributions include:
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Living allowance: €4,010 per month, subject to the applicable country correction coefficient.
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Mobility allowance: €710 per month.
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Family allowance: €660 per month, where applicable.
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These figures represent EU funding contributions rather than guaranteed take-home salaries. The recruiting institution determines the actual remuneration, employment conditions and applicable deductions.
In addition to financial support, selected researchers can benefit from:
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International research collaborations and scientific training.
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Specialist workshops, conferences and research courses.
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Research visits and international secondments.
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Collaboration with pharmaceutical companies and academic laboratories.
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Experience with advanced experimental and computational techniques.
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Furthermore, the network’s industry connections can help researchers understand how laboratory discoveries translate into pharmaceutical manufacturing.
4. Eligibility Criteria for International Applicants
The MSCA IDEAS Doctoral Network welcomes applicants from different countries, including India. However, candidates must satisfy the programme’s academic and mobility requirements.
The general eligibility conditions include:
Academic qualifications: Applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, biotechnology or a related discipline.
Selected bachelor’s-level opportunities: Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may also qualify for DC9 and DC10. However, these positions have specific academic and language requirements. DC9 and DC10 applicants should consult the detailed vacancy descriptions.
Research experience: Applicants should demonstrate suitable experience with experimental or computational research methods.
English proficiency: Candidates should have at least B2-level English proficiency. Certain positions may specify additional evidence, such as an IELTS qualification.
Doctoral status: Applicants must not already hold a PhD when recruitment takes place.
Mobility requirement: Candidates must generally not have lived or carried out their main activity in the recruiting organisation’s country for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment.
Applicants must also qualify for doctoral enrolment at the relevant university and satisfy its additional admission conditions.
5. Application Deadlines for the 15 PhD Positions
The recruitment schedule differs between doctoral projects. According to the EURAXESS announcement, the listed deadlines are:
| Application deadline | PhD positions |
|---|---|
| 30 November 2026 | DC1, DC2, DC5, DC7, DC9, DC11, DC12, DC14, DC15 |
| 30 January 2027 | DC13 |
| 31 January 2027 | DC3 |
| 1 May 2027 | DC10 |
| 31 May 2027 | DC4, DC6, DC8 |
Important deadline update: The current IDEAS recruitment website also indicates that the application processes for DC4, DC6 and DC8 are scheduled to open in February 2027, while DC10 is scheduled to open in March 2027. These vacancy-page updates do not display the same closing-date information. Therefore, applicants should check the individual project pages for the latest confirmed schedule before applying.
6. How to Apply for the MSCA IDEAS PhD Positions
Candidates should prepare their applications carefully because incomplete submissions may not enter the selection process.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a suitable research position.
Visit the official IDEAS Doctoral Network vacancy page and review the 15 research projects. Compare their objectives, host institutions and academic requirements.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents.
The application package generally includes:
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Completed application form.
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Research exposé.
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Updated academic CV.
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Academic transcripts.
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Final degree certificate.
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Valid identification and proof of mobility eligibility.
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English-language proficiency evidence, if available.
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Up to three reference letters using the required template.
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Academic documents should be translated into English where necessary.
Step 3: Submit your application by email.
Send the required PDF documents to: coordinator-ideas@univ-lille.fr
Use the application email subject format specified on the official website. Follow its document naming instructions carefully.
Step 4: Monitor your application.
Shortlisted candidates may also need to complete additional recruitment procedures through the relevant university or partner organisation.
7. Expert Tips to Strengthen Your PhD Application
Competition for international research positions can be demanding. Therefore, a focused application is essential.
First, connect your previous research experience with the selected project’s objectives. For example, a biotechnology graduate with experience in polymer characterisation could highlight relevant laboratory techniques when applying for a pharmaceutical materials project.
Second, explain your research contribution clearly. Avoid listing techniques without demonstrating how you used them to answer scientific questions.
Moreover, tailor your research exposé to the specific doctoral project. A generic research proposal may not demonstrate your understanding of the proposed work.
Finally, contact your referees early. Since reference letters must follow the programme template, allow sufficient time for their preparation and submission.
Conclusion
The 15 fully funded PhD positions under the MSCA IDEAS Doctoral Network offer an exciting opportunity to pursue pharmaceutical research in Europe. The projects cover drug formulation, advanced materials, biotechnology, molecular modelling and sustainable manufacturing. In addition, researchers gain access to international collaborations, specialist training and pharmaceutical industry experience. However, applicants should carefully check individual eligibility conditions and recruitment dates before submitting their documents. Explore the official vacancy listings, prepare your application early and identify the research project that best matches your academic background.
Final Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Improving Drug Efficacy with Next-Generation Amorphous Materials and Trained Experts (IDEAS): PhD positions |
| Host Country | Multiple European countries |
| Funded By | European Union, Horizon Europe, MSCA Doctoral Networks |
| Duration | 36–48 months, depending on the position |
| Study Mode | Host-institution-based doctoral research; international secondments |
| Eligibility | International applicants with relevant master’s qualifications; selected bachelor’s-level routes |
| Financial Support | €4,010 living allowance, €710 mobility allowance and €660 family allowance where applicable; subject to funding and national adjustments |
| Fields of Study | Pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering and drug delivery |
| Deadline | Varies by position; listed dates range from 30/11/2026 to 31/05/2027, with some later vacancies scheduled to open in 2027 |
| Official Website | Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
IDEAS is a Horizon Europe-funded doctoral network offering 15 PhD positions focused on advanced pharmaceutical materials and innovative drug delivery technologies.
Yes. Applicants of any nationality can apply. However, Indian candidates must meet the academic, mobility and host-university requirements.
Most vacancies require a relevant master’s degree or equivalent. However, selected projects accept bachelor’s graduates. Applicants also need English proficiency at B2 level.
Applicants must not have lived or worked in the recruiting organisation’s country for more than 12 months during the 36 months before recruitment.
Projects span pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, physics, materials science, biotechnology, engineering, computational modelling, nanotechnology and advanced drug delivery.
The EU lists €4,010 monthly living and €710 mobility allowances, plus €660 family support where eligible. Country adjustments and host rules affect actual pay.
Project contracts last 36 or 48 months, depending on the doctoral candidate position and its host institution.
Prepare the application form, research exposé, CV, transcripts, degree certificate, ID, mobility evidence and up to three reference letters. Add English proof if available.
