PhD Position in Pharmaceutical Formulations for the Eye at the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy
A PhD position within formulation characterization focused on viscous drops or gels for topical application to the eye is available at the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy as a cooperative project between pharmacy and physics. The PhD project is conducted in cooperation with Janssen Pharmaceuticals in Belgium.
Starting date: 1 September 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 1 August 2022.
Project Background
Flux is a function of time, i.e. one way to optimize ocular drug absorption after topical administration is to increase the viscosity of the applied formulation. The viscosity would, however, slow down the diffusion of the compound through the formulation, hence the purpose of the concrete project is to investigate diffusion as a function of viscosity, compound vehicle affinity and compound size for “solutions” and particle size for suspension systems.
The elements of the thesis may include to:
- Compare flux over artificial membranes with literature flux data over the conjunctiva, sclera, and RPE – and if possible select and verify the model’s ability to predict the in vitro flux
- Define hydrogel formulations for investigations for ocular topical delivery – solutions and suspensions to be investigated either on the artificial membrane or in vitro
- Define in situ forming hydrogels – solutions and suspensions to be investigated either on the artificial membrane or in vitro
- Define lipid based ocular ointments with compound solubilised or suspended and investigate their permeability
- Develop a theoretical based model based upon the learnings from the formulations that can help define the optimal characteristics.
This PhD project is one out of three PhD projects that focus on drug formulations for the eye – the two other projects are hosted by the university of Eastern Finland.
Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in working on the boundary between pharmacy and physics focused on characterization of viscous systems, the polymers that can be used to generate these and linking this to a deep understanding of the associated release. The candidate will hold an MSc in pharmacy, chemistry, physics, or closely related area. Previous experiences with one or more of the following is considered an advantage: rheological investigations, release studies, chromatographic analysis and material sciences related to the topic.
The candidate must be independent and fluent in both oral and written English.
For further information about the position please contact Professor René Holm (reho@sdu.dk) or Associate Professor Carsten Svaneborg (zqex@sdu.dk).
The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is a department focused on basic research. We are happy to move beyond traditional disciplines and work to develop new technologies and sciences across physics, chemistry, pharmacy, mathematics, computer science and biology. The department’s research thus contributes to new knowledge and solutions with applications in the areas of climate, environment, energy, and health.
Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.
The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box “Application form”)
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: anc@sdu.dk mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.
Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.
Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply online”. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.
Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.
Send application
Deadline 2022-Aug-01
You can apply for the job at Faculty of Science by completing the application form