INNOCHEMBIO

Green Novel Technologies for Forensic Research on Drugs (NOVTECH-DRUGS)

The NOVTECH-DRUGS PhD project addresses the growing global need for environmentally sustainable, rapid, and accurate forensic drug testing tools. With illegal drug use presenting critical challenges to public health and safety, this research seeks to develop innovative, portable solutions for on-site detection. The project focuses on integrating deep ultraviolet fluorescence detection (DUV-FD) and microfluidic chip-based electrophoresis to replace traditional lab-intensive techniques. A key goal is to transition toward non-invasive, eco-friendly sample matrices, such as exhaled breath. The research is carried out in collaboration with Jagiellonian University and the TalTech spin-off company SafePAS OÜ.

Description
Illegal drug abuse remains a major global challenge, affecting millions of individuals annually. According to the latest EMCDDA report, an estimated 270 million people used drugs in 2017 (+30% increase compared to 2009), and 56 million in 2019 (+48% since 1990) have a drug disorder (by IHME).

The NOVTECH-DRUGS project is designed to contribute to a paradigm shift in forensic toxicology—one that prioritizes sustainability, mobility, and speed. Traditional laboratory instruments used for drug detection are often bulky, energy-intensive, and require invasive sampling. This PhD project explores novel methodologies to miniaturize and streamline the detection process without compromising analytical performance.

The student will work on one of the following focus areas (or an interdisciplinary combination thereof): 

• Development and optimization of microfluidic chip-based electrophoresis platforms
• Innovation in sustainable, non-invasive sample collection and pre-treatment (e.g., exhaled breath or oral fluid)

In addition to experimental work, the candidate may engage in the development of validation protocols and explore the real-world applications of the technology in collaboration with public health, law enforcement, and clinical stakeholders.

This doctoral position will be carried out in cooperation with:

• Jagiellonian University, Poland  is renowned for its expertise in forensic chemistry, modern analytical techniques, and method validation. The student is expected to stay for a period of 12–16 months at Jagiellonian University for hands-on training and collaborative research.
• SafePAS OÜ, Estonia, is a TalTech spin-off specializing in portable analytical instrumentation for drug and soil analysis. SafePAS will provide access to advanced prototypes and field-testing opportunities, supporting the commercialization path for the developed technologies.

Practical Impact
By enabling fast, mobile, and accurate drug testing in a wide range of environments, NOVTECH-DRUGS supports public safety, reduces healthcare costs, and enhances the efficacy of legal proceedings. Over time, the project aims to shift the forensic toxicology field toward more sustainable practices with a significantly lower environmental footprint.

Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks

• Design and develop portable microfluidic systems for forensic applications
• Integrate and optimize DUV-FD and capillary electrophoresis modules
• Conduct experimental validation using various biological sample matrices
• Use advanced instrumentation (e.g., LC coupled to mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, and other techniques) for comparative studies for quantification and identification of drugs and their metabolites
• Assist in coordinating joint projects and knowledge exchange with Jagiellonian University and SafePAS
• Collaborate with engineers and data scientists at SafePAS to integrate findings into portable detection platforms
• Publish scientific results and contribute to patents, if applicable
• Present findings at international conferences and stakeholder meetings
• Contribute to organizing research and practitioner workshops where project findings are presented
• Actively participate in the academic or corporate life of TalTech and Partners

We offer:

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position with access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure
• Supervision by experts in toxicology, analytical chemistry, and device development
• Participation in a high-impact, cross-sectoral research collaboration with academic and industry partners
• Opportunities to travel, attend conferences, and join international research stays
• A chance to contribute to the development of life-saving drug detection tools for law enforcement and healthcare

The project will be conducted in cooperation with two universities, Tallinn University of Technology, School of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Smart Analytics Research Group, supervised by Dr. Jekaterina Mazina-Šinkar (TALTECH) and co-supervised by Dr. (habil.) Michał Woźniakiewicz, Professor (Associate) at Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Laboratory for Forensic Chemistry, Kraków, Poland.

The internship will be provided by SafePAS OÜ, an Estonian deep-tech company, Tallinn University of Technology spin-off, that specializes in the development of portable analytical devices for drug detection (e.g., Drug Hunter analyzer), collaborating with law enforcement agencies and forensic science institutes across Europe.