Short Description: This project focuses on developing a novel approach for synthesizing hydrogel-based media using biocompatible materials such as alginate, methyl acrylates, and cyclodextrin. These hydrogels will have highly tunable mechanical and optical properties, making them suitable for optimizing eye drop formulations aimed at regenerating the aging human retina. The motivation behind using these hydrogels in ophthalmology is to replace animal testing, such as the use of Matrigel derived from mouse sarcoma, with plant-based drug delivery platforms. These platforms will ensure the hydrogels maintain appropriate physical properties to remain functional in the eye, being biocompatible and capable of optimal drug release.

Project Aim: The aim of this project is to monitor in-situ cell growth, nutrient use and evolution of physicochemical properties of the gels during the growth period.

Project Scope: This project is an initiative focused on the development of advanced sustainable synthetic methods, such as microwaves to add value to marine biomass, like seaweed, an abundant and highly underutilized natural resource.

Project Goal: The goal is to obtain polysaccharides and other important molecules, e.g. fucoidans, to produce stable, cell-friendly and reproducible hydrogels that will be used to support cell growth and the delivery of therapeutic cells to repair retina damaged tissue. The project will enable researchers to study disease progression (our case, eye diseases) and identify/ evaluate new non-invasive treatment approaches.

Main research fields: Chemistry, Material Sciences, Natural products, Manufacturing 

Keywords: hydrogels, sustainability, biopolymers, biomaterials, microbiology, polymer chemistry 

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Anna Trubetskaya (anna.trubetskaya@nord.no)

Research group: Animal Sciences & Veterinary

Faculty: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture

About supervisor:Anna graduated with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby in 2016, M.Sc. in Bio-Engineering at University of Kassel, Germany (2011), and Dipl. In Biotechnology & Process Engineering at University of Applied Sciences Flensburg, Germany (2009). She is an author > 70 scientific articles with the h-index = 28 (google scholar). Her research is focused on chemical processes, biopolymers, bio-based materials, and statistics. 

Research infrastructure and facilities: Nord University has excellent biological facilities, a platform for chemical synthesis, rheometer, microscopy. The researcher will have the opportunity to do secondment at the Ophthalmology group at UiO for the biochemical analysis of hydrogels and cells.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria: MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded for a duration of 12-30 months (12-24 months of Research + 6 months of additional placement in non-academic sector) to researchers of any nationality who:

• Are in possession of a doctoral degree.
• Have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent (FTE) experience in research after their doctoral degree.
• Comply with the MSCA mobility rule, i.e., have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the call deadline.
• Have identified a supervisor at Nord University willing to host and supervise them.

If awarded, the Postdoctoral Fellowship grant covers salary, mobility allowance, family allowance (if eligible), and other allowances (if eligible) for the research fellow. The grant also covers research costs and overheads for Nord University.

How To Apply: If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to, anna.trubetskaya@nord.no, marit.v.bjorkmo@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:

• Eligibility Information:
  • Date of PhD degree award
  • Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
  • Period of residence in Norway (if any)
• Research CV:
  • Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
• Motivation Letter:
  • Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
  • Clearly outline your research and career goals.
  • Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.

How the MSCA PF Process Works: After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Selected candidates will collaborate with us to prepare a full MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) application for submission under the Horizon Europe Programme, with a deadline in September.

We will provide comprehensive support throughout this process, including:

• Assistance in refining and focusing your research topic
• Participation in the MSCA MasterClass
• Professional reviews and feedback on your application
• Other necessary guidance to ensure submission of a high-quality application

Please note that MSCA PF is highly competitive, bringing together some of the best research talent globally. While funding success is not guaranteed, participating in the application process provides valuable experience and insights into your own research and proposal writing skills, as well as fostering close collaboration with your supervisor and research group.