Thesis work: Modelling of inhaled particle deposition in the lung

Job description
Systematic evaluation of different approaches for modelling inhaled particle deposition in the lung

Are you currently pursuing a master’s degree with a burning interest in computational fluid dynamics and mathemathical modelling? Then this master’s thesis project at AstraZeneca might be of interest to you!

Thesis project: 30 credits
Student location: AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
Start: January 2022

A focus for AstraZeneca Gothenburg is to develop inhaled drugs for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma. A critical component in this work is to predict the deposition pattern of inhaled particles (i.e. where particles land following inhalation). This provides the initial conditions for computational models used for spatio-temporal predictions of inhaled drug concentrations in the lung. Furthermore, since all drug particles leaving an inhaler will not deposit in the lung, mathematical models are used to estimate the lung deposited dose.

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

Responsibilities
This project aims at comparing how two different model approaches, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and typical-path models, predict the regional drug deposition, and how this subsequently influences spatial predictions of pulmonary drug concentrations. Responsibilities include CAD-modelling in appopriate software, CFD-modelling in OpenFOAM and implementation of typical-path models in an appropriate language (e.g. Matlab, Python, R).

The project will also include a systematic comparison of different equations describing deposition by inertial impaction in typical-path models. Furthermore, if time permits, an investigation of improvements to the poor spatial resolution of typical-path models driven by the results from the CFD is of high interest. 

The work is to be conducted from January to June 2022, or as agreed with the student.

Qualifications
Essential Requirements
Experience with computational fluid dynamics
Scientific programming experience, e.g. MATLAB, Python or R
Pursuing a master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline  

Desirable Requirements
Understanding of the discrete element method 
Experience in implementing and working with numerical methods
Experience with CAD modelling
Experience in OpenFOAM


Application
Randstad Life Sciences is cooperating with AstraZeneca in this recruitment process. We only handle applications sent through Randstad’s website.

All chosen candidates need to pass a background check and an alcohol and drug test before starting the project.

Deadline for application: 2021-11-07

For more information: Veronika Knudsen veronika.knudsen@randstad.se or Kerstin Karlsson kerstin.karlsson@randstad.se

About the company
At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines and strive to continuously meet the unmet needs of patients worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

Our Gothenburg site is one of AstraZeneca's three strategic science centers. We thrive in a multinational environment working cross-functionally across the globe with AstraZeneca colleagues as well as academic and industry partners. Our way of life is to foster a working environment that nurtures collaboration, openness and innovation. Therefore, we have created space for meetings, socializing and relaxation, where spontaneous meetings can give birth to new innovations. The unexpected ideas or thoughts that can come from a chat over something as simple as a cup of  coffee or a stroll on our “walk and talk” meeting trail. AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.