The Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, is inviting applications for fully funded postgraduate research positions focused on non-hormonal contraception and advanced vaginal drug delivery.
The research programme is based at the Research Laboratory of Prof. Margaret Ilomuanya and focuses on developing innovative non-hormonal contraceptive technologies for women through advanced pharmaceutical formulation, biomaterials, natural products, reproductive biology and translational drug delivery.
Advertisement for Funded Postgraduate Positions at the University of Lagos
Date: 11th September 2026
Fully Funded PhD & MSc Research Positions
Research Area: Non-Hormonal Contraception & Advanced Vaginal Drug Delivery
The University of Lagos is offering two fully funded PhD research projects, with one PhD researcher and one MSc researcher appointed to each project.
The research programme focuses on the development of innovative, non-hormonal contraceptive technologies for women, combining:
- Advanced pharmaceutical formulation
- Biomaterials
- Natural products
- Reproductive biology
- Translational drug delivery
Who Can Apply?
PhD Positions — 2 Available
Each project will recruit one PhD candidate.
Applicants must have completed or defended an MSc in any of the following areas:
- Pharmaceutics
- Biopharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Preference will be given to Pharmacists with exceptional experience in patient care and pharmaceutical formulation/product development.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong research potential
- Scientific writing ability
- A clear interest in women’s health
- Interest in non-hormonal contraception
- Interest in translational pharmaceutical research
MSc Positions — 2 Available
Each project will recruit one MSc candidate.
Applicants must have completed a first degree in:
- BPharm
- PharmD
Funding
Each of the two research projects will support:
1 PhD Researcher + 1 MSc Researcher
Therefore, there are four positions available in total:
- 2 PhD positions
- 2 MSc positions
All selected researchers will receive full support for research-related costs, including:
- Laboratory reagents
- Chemicals
- Consumables
- Analytical and characterisation costs
- Research-related laboratory investigations
Additional PhD Funding
The two PhD positions are fully funded and include:
- Monthly salary equivalent to GL05–CONUASS 3 (Lecturer 2)
- Tuition fees for the duration of the 2.5-year PhD programme
PhD candidates may also have the opportunity for up to 9 months of research exposure in international laboratories, depending on research progress, project requirements and the availability of collaborative placements.
Research Project 1
Engineering the Cervical Mucus Barrier for Non-Hormonal Contraception
PhD Project
Development of Electrospun Fiber–Hydrogel Layered Matrices as Non-Hormonal Contraceptives
This PhD project will develop and optimise an advanced electrospun fibre–hydrogel layered vaginal matrix designed to prevent sperm penetration without the use of hormones.
The research will investigate:
- Electrospun fibre systems
- Fibre-hydrogel matrices
- Fibre-hydrogel interfacial engineering
- Mechanical characterisation
- Physicochemical characterisation
- Structural characterisation
- Sperm penetration and sperm-mucus interactions
- In-vitro contraceptive performance
- Vaginal/cervical safety
- Quality-by-Design and formulation optimisation
- Translation toward a patient-centred non-hormonal contraceptive platform
Associated MSc Project
The MSc researcher will undertake a defined component of the above programme, focusing on the formulation, fabrication, characterisation and biological evaluation of the electrospun fibre–hydrogel matrix.
The MSc project will provide hands-on experience in:
- Electrospinning
- Hydrogel formulation
- Biomaterials
- Vaginal drug delivery
- Pharmaceutical characterisation
- Sperm functional assays
Research Project 2
Natural Product-Based Non-Hormonal Female Contraception
PhD Project
Plant-Derived Non-Hormonal Contraception: Biological Evaluation, Chemical Characterisation, Mechanistic Studies and Vaginal–Cervical Safety
This PhD project will investigate plant-derived bioactive constituents as candidates for non-hormonal female contraception, progressing from natural-product characterisation through biological evaluation and pharmaceutical product development.
The research programme will encompass:
- Extraction and fractionation of plant constituents
- Chemical profiling and characterisation
- LC-MS/MS-based identification of bioactive constituents
- Sperm immobilisation and functional assays
- Investigation of mechanisms of contraceptive action
- Development of vaginal delivery systems
- Vaginal and cervical safety evaluation of the developed formulation
- Translation of natural-product discoveries into candidate contraceptive products
Associated MSc Project
The MSc researcher will undertake a defined component of the project, focusing on the extraction, chemical characterisation and biological screening of specific seed fractions for sperm-immobilising activity.
The MSc project will provide training in:
- Natural Product Research
- Extraction & Fractionation
- LC-MS/MS
- Sperm Biology
- Biological Assays
- Pharmaceutical Formulation
Summary of Available Positions
| Position | Number Available | Minimum Academic Requirement | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | 2 | Completed or defended MSc in relevant field | Fully funded |
| MSc | 2 | BPharm or PharmD | Research-related costs supported |
PhD Funding Includes
- Monthly salary equivalent to GL05–CONUASS 3 (Lecturer 2)
- Tuition fees for the 2.5-year PhD programme
- Research-related costs
- Potential for up to 9 months of research exposure in international laboratories
Research-Related Support
Selected researchers will receive support for:
- Laboratory reagents
- Chemicals
- Consumables
- Analytical and characterisation costs
- Research-related laboratory investigations
Institution and Research Laboratory
Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology
Faculty of Pharmacy
University of Lagos
CMUL/LUTH Campus, Idi-Araba, Surulere
P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria
Research Laboratory: Prof. Margaret Ilomuanya
Email: milomuan​ya@unilag.edu.ng
Advertisement Date: 11th September 2026