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

One

Funding

Home fee, Stipend

Opens

17 February 2020

Duration

3 years

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.

Project 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.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Funding Details

This PhD project is currently awaiting funding outcome.

Contact us

Miss Ewa Kosciuk

+44(0) 141 548 2835

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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