📢 PhD Opportunity in Design – Industrial Collaboration with Merck

Role Overview

The University of Parma is seeking a motivated

Design graduate to join a fully funded Ph D research project developed in collaboration with Merck .

The research explores how Design can contribute to pharmaceutical innovation by supporting the conception, evaluation and optimization of innovative

Container Closure Systems (CCS) throughout their entire lifecycle - from early development and manufacturing to healthcare delivery and patient use - shifting from traditional testing approaches towards design-driven methodologies for parenteral drug products.

The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with designers, engineers, pharmaceutical scientists and industrial researchers, translating technical and regulatory requirements into design opportunities that enhance product quality, usability and innovation.

Drawing on Systemic Design, Service Design and Human-Centred Design, the project aims to develop new methods capable of supporting the entire lifecycle of pharmaceutical products while enabling innovative product-service systems for the healthcare sector.

This position is part of the

Ph D Programme in Civil Engineering and Architecture at the University of Parma and offers the opportunity to conduct research within an international environment, working closely with both academic researchers and industrial experts from Merck.

Responsibilities

The Ph D candidate will

• Develop and apply Design Research methodologies to pharmaceutical product development.
• Explore innovative scenarios for pharmaceutical products and healthcare services through Design methodologies.
• Investigate innovative Container Closure Systems and their integration within healthcare product-service systems.
• Translate technical and regulatory requirements into user-centred design opportunities.
• Design, prototype and evaluate new methods, products and services to support pharmaceutical development, manufacturing and healthcare processes.
• Develop visualizations, prototypes and communication tools to support research and innovation activities.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research involving users, stakeholders and industrial partners.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of designers, engineers, researchers and industry professionals.
• Produce scientific publications and present research outcomes at international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable design strategies for the pharmaceutical sector.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have

• A Master’s degree in Design, Industrial Design, Product Design, Service Design, Design for Sustainability, Design Engineering or a related field.
• A strong interest in Design Research and interdisciplinary innovation.
• Knowledge of Design methodologies, including Human-Centred Design, Service Design or Systemic Design.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in the

Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, In Design and Photoshop .

• Experience with

3D modelling, visualization and rendering software, such as Rhinoceros (Rhino), Blender, or equivalent digital design tools.

• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively through visual, written and oral presentations.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Previous experience in healthcare design, sustainability, UX research, product development or scientific research is considered an advantage but is not required.

An interest in healthcare innovation, regulated industries and complex product development processes will be considered a strong asset.

Curiosity, initiative and a willingness to engage with interdisciplinary research and complex innovation challenges are highly valued.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and portfolio for a preliminary evaluation .

Selected applicants will be invited to an interview with the research team.

Please note that the interview is a preliminary selection step.

Only shortlisted candidates who successfully complete the interview will be invited to proceed with the official Ph D application.

Further information on the Ph D Programme and the official application process is available here:

https://corsi. unipr. it/it/phd-ica/tematiche-di-ricerca