PhD student position in optimizing lyophile reconstitution

We will employ pore-scale modeling and simulations, in combination with validation experiments, to investigate the connection between the product microstructure and material properties and the reconstitution behavior. The desired outcome of the project is a methodology to predict the impact of product physical attributes on the reconstitution time of products.

We are therefore looking for a creative new colleague that wants to take on this challenge together with us. We are offering a position as a PhD student in the Multiphase Flow group at the Division of Fluid Dynamics. The group has approximately 15 members of varying backgrounds and research interests. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Astra Zeneca.

Information about the project
Lyophilisation (freeze-drying) is typically applied to maintain and improve pharmaceutical stability of proteins that may be unstable when formulated as liquids. The process makes aqueous solutions into solid, porous structures typically termed "cakes". Prior to patient administration, cakes must be reconstituted back into a solution. Some lyophilised products have very long and unpredictable (and variable) reconstitution times, which is undesirable from a drug administration perspective. A major challenge here is to understand the connection between the product microstructure and the reconstitution behavior (time).

In this project we will use pore-scale numerical simulations to understand the effect of a number of process parameters and cake properties on the reconstitution time. More specifically, our ambition is to investigate how the reconstitution time is affected by the degree of crystallinity of the cake, wettability of solids comprising the cake, the ability of the liquids to penetrate the cake, cake disintegration tendency and properties of cake microstructure (pore size distribution).

The position also includes teaching or other departmental duties corresponding to 10-20 % of working hours and is time limited up to 4.5-5 years depending on the amount of teaching and departmental work during your doctoral project.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. Your research will be supervised by several well-reputed senior researchers and experts from industry, offering a supportive environment for performing cutting-edge research. The position generally also includes teaching in undergraduate level courses.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a MSc degree in a relevant field. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

You are self-propelled and highly motivated, and you plan and think strategically. You are creative and like to put new ideas into practice. You have a solid interest in scientific computing and a strong natural curiosity with a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220601 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: December 21st, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Professor Srdjan Sasic, Fluid Dynamics, srdjan@chalmers.se,
Tel: +46317725238

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!