A PhD scholarship is available (subject to contract) for this three-year project to be completed in collaboration with AstraZeneca, at De Montfort University, Leicester, beginning October 2022.
The increase in marketed biologic drug therapies, over the last 30 years, and the recent diversification of molecular formats/modalities (from nanoparticles, antibodies, antibody-drug-conjugates, to mRNA vaccines) has resulted in significant demand for freeze-drying technologies and advanced process understanding, and for postgraduate scientists with specialist expertise in this area (creating opportunities for career development).
This PhD project seeks to provide a better understanding of the development of freeze-dried formulations and lyophilization processes through a combination of computational and/or experimental studies, including opportunities to work on:
• Drug formulation, freeze-drying process development, and end-product evaluation.
• The further development of process monitoring techniques (through-vial impedance spectroscopy/TVIS alongside temperature and humidity sensors) for critical parameter determination (product temperatures, heat transfer coefficients, dry layer resistances)
• The use of these in-situ tools to provide improved understanding of processes allowing optimised drying profiles and reducing the risk of technical transfer during scale up
• CFD and mathematical modelling of the freeze-drying process and the validation of classical physical models.
Our collaboration with AstraZeneca will include spending some time at their site to learn with hands-on experience. The successful candidate should therefore be able to spend days away from the city of Leicester.
Lead Supervisor:
The successful candidate will be working with Professor Geoff Smith ([Email Address Removed]), Professor of Pharmaceutical Process Analytical Technology, School of Pharmacy (#phd #scholarship #collaboration #freezedrying #lyophilization #DMU #Astrazeneca)
How to Apply:
To apply for this scholarship please submit a full application via our application portal which can be accessed here . In lieu of a research proposal please submit a document that details:
· why you are interested in this area of study;
· why you have the desired qualities and experience for the proposed study
Information regarding the documentation required for a full application can be accessed here.
When submitting an application please ensure that Professor Geoff Smith is identified as the named academic within the Proposed Programme of Study tab.
For any queries please contact [Email Address Removed]
The closing date for applications is Friday, 3 June 2022.
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