UCH‑CEU is seeking excellent postdoctoral researchers interested in applying for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA‑PF 2026).

Hosting Research Group

The group led by Prof. Alicia López Castellano focuses on the development of advanced controlled drug delivery systems for ophthalmic applications, particularly for retinal pathologies such as myopic retinopathy, retinosis pigmentosa and Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The laboratory is equipped with 3D biofabrication technologies, HPLC, biomaterial characterization tools, in vitro release testing systems, and infrastructures for cell‑based assays in collaboration with international institutions.

Scientific keywords  

Ocular drug delivery; Retinal diseases; Biodegradable implants; 3D printing; Therapeutic polymers

Relevant publications and projects

1. Ta PL, Bernat-Just L, Alambiaga-Caravaca AM, Rodilla V, López-Castellano A, Bosch-Morell F. Optimization and Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV) Method for Quantification of α-Lipoic Acid in Cyclodextrins Complex for Ocular Delivery. Biomed Chromatogr. 2025 Jul;39(7):e70133. doi: 10.1002/bmc.70133. PMID: 40485170; PMCID: PMC12146685. 

2.Domenech-Monsell IM, Alambiaga-Caravaca AM, Bernat-Just L, Merino V, Rodilla V, Balaguer-Fernández C, López-Castellano A. Innovative Famciclovir Eye Drop Formulations for Herpes Zoster Infections. Curr Eye Res. 2025 Jun;50(6):590-599. doi: 10.1080/02713683.2025.2472363. Epub 2025 Mar 2. PMID: 40025627.

3.Alambiaga-Caravaca AM, González Iglesias LG, Rodilla V, Kalia YN, López-Castellano A. Biodistribution of progesterone in the eye after topical ocular administration via drops or inserts. Int J Pharm. 2023 Jan 5;630:122453. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122453. Epub 2022 Nov 28. PMID: 36455753.

4.Alambiaga-Caravaca AM, Cantó A, Rodilla V, Miranda M, López-Castellano A. Topical Ocular Administration of Progesterone Decreases Photoreceptor Cell Death in Retinal Degeneration Slow (rds) Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Mar 9;15(3):328. doi: 10.3390/ph15030328. PMID: 35337126; PMCID: PMC8953546.

5. Bueno-López C, Tamarit-Martínez C, Alambiaga-Caravaca AM, Balaguer-Fernández C, Merino V, López-Castellano A, Rodilla V. 3D Printing of Temporary Prostheses for Controlled-Release of Drugs: Design, Physical Characterization and Preliminary Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Nov 29;14(12):1240. doi: 10.3390/ph14121240. PMID: 34959642; PMCID: PMC8708214.

Research Project Description

The proposed project focuses on the development of a biodegradable ocular patch capable of delivering natural antioxidants for the prevention and treatment of myopic retinopathy. The postdoctoral researcher will work on formulation design, biomaterial characterization, optimization of 3D printing processes, controlled release studies, and preliminary evaluation of oxidative stress in in vitro cell models. This work is part of the Ocular Drug Delivery and Retinal Therapeutics (ODDS) project and will contribute to advancing personalized and minimally invasive ophthalmic therapies.

Research Area

Life Sciences (LIF) 

Application profiles

Dynamic postdoctoral candidates of any nationality (max. 8 years after defense) 

PhD in Pharmacy, Bioengineering, or related fields. Experience in biomaterials, controlled drug delivery, or 3D printing. Dynamic profile oriented toward translational research.

Strong background on pharmaceutical formulation.

An expression of interest shall be sent to alopez@uchceu.es(Attn.: Alicia Lopez), before 06/05/2026.

Your file should contain the following elements: 

• A short CV (Max. 2 pages).
• A one-page research proposal.
• A short statement explaining why CEU would be the best host institution for your research.
• Two letters of reference. 

For MSCA-PF 26 call, at the deadline for the submission of proposals (09/09/2026) candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activities in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the abovementioned deadline.

Those files received before 15th of June  will be considered for MSCA-PF 2026 call. Applications received after this date, will be considered for other calls after discussion with the candidate.