Postdoc researcher in Porous drug carrier platform for inhalation therapy

About the position
As never before, with the outbreak of COVID-19, there is an urgent need of novel therapeutic solutions to fight dangerous and contagious lung infections. It is estimated that the lung infection caused by Tuberculosis kills 5000 people every day and about one third of the world’s population is infected. One of the therapeutic challenge is to deliver high amount of drugs at the infection site reducing toxic effects. Inhalation therapies are highly recommended but often the delivered drug amount to the lungs is not sufficient.

In this context, our idea is to design a novel drug delivery technology to administer molecules safely and effectively to the lungs principally for infection diseases such as Tuberculosis. An effective inhaled drug therapy requires an appropriate powder formulation together with a well-designed medical device. The project will be performed in collaboration with Nanologica AB (Södertälje), a nanotechnology company that develops mesoporous silica particles for applications in life science, and Iconovo AB (Medicon Village, Lund), a company that develops a full range of inhalation devices. We believe that the project will advance an innovative drug delivery technology towards clinical prospective and that this research investigation will lead to new opportunities and recommendations for inhaled pharmaceutical formulation. 

The specific scientific objectives are to:


• tailor the physico chemical properties of the porous carrier to improve its aerodynamic features;
• evaluate and optimize the drug release and particle dissolution profile in simulated lung fluid;
• understand the interaction carrier-biological interfaces (e.g. lung surfactant and epithelium);
• design the final medical device comprising drug, carrier and powder inhaler.

Apart from carrying out research within these areas the applicant is expected to take responsibility for the maintenance of the instruments involved and to be active by supervising graduate and postgraduate students and fellow scientists in the techniques and participate in teaching at graduate and postgraduate levels. The applicant will be expected to take part in applications for external funding to support research activities. 

Further, considering that the project requires collaboration between academic and industrial partners, it is expected that the applicant actively communicates and collaborate within this context; documented project management and leadership abilities are therefore valued.

Specific requirements for this position:  
Candidates must hold a PhD in physical chemistry, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, physical pharmacy, or a similar field.

The following would be of benefit for the position:
The ideal candidate has experience with surface and colloidal chemistry, solid pharmaceutical formulations and analytical chemistry. Experience in porous particles, drug carriers and particle engineering is considered a merit.

Hands-on experience in some of the following methods is highly valued:


• Solid state analysis (DSC, ITC, isothermal microcalorimetry, TGA),
• water sorption and hygroscopicity measurements,
• SEM and AFM,
• solution or solid-state NMR,
• LC systems with spectrophotometry and/or mass spectroscopy detection,
• Aerodynamic Particle Size Determination and lung delivered dose,
• small- and wide-angle X-ray diffraction/scattering and other scattering techniques,
• Element analysis such as ICP-OES

Assessment criteria


• The quality and focus of the doctoral thesis.
• Research activities within fields relevant to the appointment in question.
• Documented ability to independently conduct research of a sufficient standard.
• Reflective presentation of their own pedagogical outlook and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with actors in other parts of society with a connection to education and research.

Further information
In our recruitment work, Malmö University has taken a stand regarding recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore decline all offers of advertising and recruitment assistance in connection with this advertisement.

Application
You apply for this position via Malmö University's recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is completed in accordance with the advertisement, and that it is provided to the University no later than 7 th of June.

The educational qualifications may be documented with guidance from  Qualifications portfolio for lecturers/researchers at Malmö University  See also Appointment Rules at Malmö University. Books and any other documents, such as publications, that cannot be sent electronically should be sent in triplicate in an envelope marked with reference number REK2020/119 and posted to the HR Department, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmö. If the documents weigh more than 2 kg, they should be sent to the delivery address: HR Department, Malmö University, Matrosgatan 1, 205 06 Malmö, marked with reference number REK2020/119

Miscellaneous
One-year position (full-time), starting as soon as possible. The position can be prolonged beyond the first year.

Malmö University is a workplace and higher education institution that is characterised by an open and inclusive approach, where gender equality and equal terms add value to our activities. Malmö University applies individual salary setting.

We are looking forward to receive your application!