Introduction

The University of Camerino invites expressions of interest from postdoctoral researchers wishing to apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 in the field of biomaterials, nanomedicine, and drug delivery systems. This research opportunity is hosted by Dr. Roberta Censi at the School of Pharmacy and focuses on the development of advanced biomaterial-based platforms for the treatment of chronic wounds. The project is embedded in a multidisciplinary research environment combining pharmaceutical sciences, polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering.

Supervisor

Dr. Roberta Censi is Assistant Professor in pharmaceutical and biomaterials sciences at the University of Camerino and Vice Director of the School of Pharmacy. Her research focuses on biopolymers, nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, and biofabrication technologies for biomedical applications, including regenerative medicine and antimicrobial coatings. She has extensive experience in European collaborative programmes, particularly within Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and has coordinated and participated in numerous international research projects. She is also co-founder and Vice-President of Recusol Srl, a spin-off company dedicated to the translation of biomaterials research into biomedical applications. Her research activity is highly interdisciplinary and supported by collaborations with European research institutions and hospitals.

Research Group and Facilities

The research is carried out within laboratories dedicated to polymer synthesis, nanomedicine, biomaterials characterization, and biofabrication technologies at the University of Camerino. The group operates in a multidisciplinary environment integrating chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biology, and biomedical engineering. The laboratories are equipped with advanced instrumentation for material characterization, drug delivery studies, and biofabrication processes, and are supported by access to centralized facilities for analytical techniques and biological validation.

The research group includes researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and visiting scientists, and collaborates with several international institutions, including universities and medical centres in Europe and the United States. These collaborations support joint research activities and interdisciplinary training in biomaterials, nanomedicine, and regenerative medicine.

Research Topic and Project Idea

The project, entitled “Smart stimuli-responsive hydrogel platforms for precision treatment of chronic wounds through controlled antimicrobial and pro-healing therapeutic delivery”, addresses a major healthcare challenge related to chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers. These conditions are associated with infection, impaired tissue regeneration, and limited effectiveness of conventional treatments based on standard wound dressings and systemic antibiotic administration.

The research aims to develop advanced hydrogel-based systems capable of delivering therapeutic agents directly at the wound site in a controlled and localized manner. Particular attention is given to stimuli-responsive hydrogels that can respond to local physiological conditions, enabling on-demand drug release and improving both infection control and tissue regeneration. The project focuses on overcoming current limitations related to drug release control, limited regenerative capability of existing materials, and the lack of integration between antimicrobial and pro-healing strategies.

The proposed approach combines biomaterials engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine to design multifunctional platforms based on biocompatible polymers. These systems will be tailored to achieve controlled degradation, tunable mechanical properties, and targeted therapeutic action, contributing to the development of more effective and innovative treatments for chronic wound management.

Candidate Profile and Career Development

The position is suitable for candidates with a background in pharmaceutical sciences, biomaterials, nanomedicine, or related disciplines. The fellowship will provide the opportunity to develop advanced competences in biomaterials design, drug delivery systems, and nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches.

The research experience will support the development of interdisciplinary skills, combining experimental and translational approaches in biomedical research, and will contribute to strengthening competences in international collaboration, project development, and innovation in healthcare technologies.

Apply now

Apply now at Unicam for your MSCA Fellowhip.  
If you need further information please contact the supervisor Prof. Roberta Censi - roberta.censi@unicam.it