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TITLE OF POST: Post Doctoral Researcher - Tailoring Crystal Size Distributions for Improved
Formulation Properties Re-advertisement
LOCATION: Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Project Leader
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €37,750 – €46,255 p.a.
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:
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BEng or MEng in Engineering (preferably Chemical Engineering)
PhD in Engineering (preferably Chemical Engineering) or a PhD of particular relevance to the
project
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
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. Accordingly, even though the general features
of product crystal size control are reasonably well understood, their actual implementation and the
required technology is not sufficiently advanced. The work is focused on the development of engineering
methods to control nucleation and growth, using population balance modelling based on crystallisation
kinetics for process design, and identifying process trajectories including different super-saturation
generation schemes to meet particular product specifications (1 – 1000 m range). The work will include
non-linear optimization methods for model parameter determination and when necessary implementation
of mixing models.
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. 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:
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BEng or MEng in Engineering (preferably Chemical Engineering) or a closely related area.
PhD in Engineering (preferably Chemical Engineering) or in an area of particular relevance to the
project.
Desirable:
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Demonstrated research experience of crystallization experiments.
Demonstrated experience of population balance modelling.
Job description
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Demonstrated experience of non-linear optimization.
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.
Informal enquiries regarding the posts may be directed to:
Prof Åke Rasmuson
Materials and Surface Science Institute
University of Limerick
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +353 61 234617
or
Dr Pat Frawley
Department of Mechanical, Aeronautical & Biomedical Engineering
University of Limerick
Email: [email protected]
Tel: + 353 61 202178
Job description