? PhD Opportunity in Design
Pubblicato il 30-08-2026 - Universita' Degli Studi Di Parma in Italia
Role Overview
The University of Parma is seeking a motivated Design graduate to join a fully funded PhD 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 PhD 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 PhD 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, proto