Enhanced molecular transport within subregions of the nasal cavity - BC-1000
Project type: ResearchDesired discipline(s): Biochemistry / Molecular biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics / Astronomy
Company: Rocket Science Health Corp.
Project Length: 6 months to 1 year
Preferred start date: 05/01/2026
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Victoria, BC, Canada
No. of positions: 1
Desired education level: Master's
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No
About the company:
Rocket Science Health develops precision drug delivery technologies focused on brain-targeted therapeutics and vaccines. Our needle-free intranasal device enables non-clinical self-administration for at-home care, emergency rescue, and mass immunization. Its fluidics are specifically engineered for today's delicate biologics and dose-dependent drugs.
Describe the project.:
Rocket Science Health (RSH) develops cutting edge intranasal devices, and as part of our research program we are seeking a deeper understanding of molecular transport through mucus layers for a variety of liquid formulations. The project will include a study of diffusion rates in relevant synthetic media for hydrogels and polymer fluids. The effects of surfactants will also be studied. The RSH team will provide engineering support for test rigs and analytical support for analysis of results. The goal is to optimize transport mechanics for RSH's family of devices. The project should build a strong research collaboration with the local scientific community with a large potential for commercialization.
Required expertise/skills:
The ideal candidate is a master's or doctoral-level student with strong communication skills, solid fundamentals in micro-fluidics experiments, and an aptitude for experimental design. Preparation and handling of hydrogels, polymer fluids, and synthetic mucus solutions is required. Experience estimating diffusion coefficients, permeability, wetting angles, and surface tension from lab measurements is a key skill. Competence with various forms of microscopy is required. Image processing/analysis skills in Python is a big plus.
