This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), as part of the Synthesis & Solid-state Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC). The overall objective is to develop methods for size control of product crystals in crystallization of pharmaceutical compounds to directly meet the requirements of secondary manufacturing and drug performance. This includes the perspective of eliminating milling operations in the production train. The candidate will have a particular responsibility for developing and evaluating methods, that potentially can be applied in industrial processes.

DESCRIPTION:

The crystal size distribution of the product of a crystallisation process is very much governed by the nucleation during the process, which is difficult to control. The project will develop bottom-up routes to the precision size control of pharmaceutical nanocrystals in high yield. Strategies to understand and control particle growth during crystallization will be developed to isolate monodisperse particle distributions of a specific size. Strategies to control size will include Anti-solvent precipitation in organic solvent/aqueous systems and supercritical solvents in addition to influence of generally regarded as safe (GRAS) additives on crystal-size and crystal morphology control.

The successful candidate is expected to develop the more challenging parts of the experimental work, and develop a strong competence in the performance of crystallization processes. In particular a background in supercritical fluid experiments or solvent-anti-solvent mixing would be of interest. Expertise in the general area of crystal size control in pharmaceutical materials would also be considered whether by encapsulation or other relevant processes. The candidate will be involved in the every-day work of PhD students, is expected to contribute to the evaluation and interpretation of experimental results, play an important role in the preparation of scientific papers and reports, and participate in the organisation and administration of the project.

Essential:
 B.Sc in Chemistry, or B Eng in Chemical Engineering.
 PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or a PhD in an area of particular relevance to the project.

Desirable:
 Demonstrated research experience in experimental crystallization processes with pharmaceutical materials.
 Relevant publication record.
 Report writing and experience in the participation of collaborative research projects.
 Demonstrated ability to supervise PhD students.
 Demonstrate project management experience.
 Strong interpersonal skills including creativity and entrepreneurial skills.