Eligibility
Students applying should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant engineering/science discipline, and be highly motivated to undertake multidisciplinary research.
Postgraduate research opportunities
Improving purity of crystalline pharmaceutical products using advanced nano-tomography techniques
Filtration and washing of pharmaceutical products is classically undertaken empirically. This project will use nano-computed tomography (nano-CT), a high-resolution cross-sectional imaging technique to track the progress of washing at high resolution in real time.
Number of places
OneOpens
12 February 2021Duration
3 yearsProject Details
Filtration is classically used to separate product crystals from the impure mother liquor from which they were crystallized. For this to be completely effective the residual mother liquor must be removed by washing with a suitable solvent. This is an essential step in pharmaceutical manufacturing however it has not been subject to intense scrutiny and most processes are developed empirically. This PhD project sets out to use nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) to obtain high-resolution cross-sectional images using a beam of X-rays with a focal spot of ca 400nm. The project will also examine other tomography techniques, potentially including the I13 beam line at the DIAMOND, the UK synchrotron which would allow the collection of real time data resolutions as small as 50nm. These innovative techniques will yield unprecedented information on the washing step, leading to optimisation of the drug manufacture process.
All Strathclyde Postgraduate Research (PGR) students undertake the Strathclyde Researcher Development programme (PGCert), which provides a framework for skills and knowledge development, with the award of the separate qualification in conjunction with the PhD. Additionally, all PGR students are automatically enrolled in the Strathclyde Doctoral School, providing opportunities for students to network and intensifying their research dissemination.
Funding Details
This PhD project is initially offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with their own funding, or those applying to funding sources. However, excellent candidates will be eligible to be considered for a University scholarship.
Supervisor
Primary supervisor - Dr Chris Price
Secondary supervisor - Dr Katherine Dobson
Contact us
chemeng-pg-admissions@strath.ac.uk
James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ
How to apply
Apply for this project here – please quote the project title in your application.
During the application you'll be asked for the following information and evidence uploaded to the application:
- your full contact details
- transcripts and certificates of all degrees
- proof of English language proficiency if you are not from a majority English-speaking country as recognised by UKVI
- two references, one of which must be academic. Please see our guidance on referees
- funding or scholarship information
- international students must declare any previous UK study
By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University.
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