PhD student in Nanotechnology - Additive Manufacturing of Medications - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Admission to PhD studies in the subject engineering science with specialization in nanotechnology and functional materials

The Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials (NFM) is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory. Researchers at NFM have extensive experience in research into organic energy storage, additive manufacturing, biocompatibility and nanosafety as well as development of functional porous materials.

Project description: At the Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials we have, in a joint effort with the Department of Pharmacy and Uppsala Academic Hospital, developed additive manufacturing methods to produce drug loaded dosage forms.

We intend to expand this area of research focusing on additive manufacturing of drug loaded polymeric materials, which will include development of novel additive manufacturing procedures and of novel polymeric materials.

Work duties: The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The work tasks in this research project involve developing additive manufacturing processes for production of drug loaded dosage forms from polymeric materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Development of these processes will involve formulating suitable polymer and excipient mixtures, which will primarily be based on commonly employed pharmaceutical polymers and excipients. Efficient methods for drug loading of different active pharmaceutical ingredients will be developed and the formulations will be analysed using materials- and pharmaceutical analysis techniques. In the project there might also be necessary to construct or modify machines for additive manufacturing to make them suitable for additive manufacturing of dosage forms. Additive manufacturing techniques of particular relevance are selective laser sintering, material extrusion and binder jetting. The use of additive manufacturing for producing dosage forms will require skills and interest in polymer chemistry, mechanical construction, electronics and computer programming.

Qualification requirements: MSc in chemical engineering, nanotechnology, or corresponding degree within related research field. We require basic skills and experience in polymer chemistry, mechanical construction, electronics and computer programming. Applicants expected to receive their diploma in the spring of 2021 are also welcome to apply.

We require very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional qualifications: Knowledge and skills in materials chemistry is desirable as well as experience in characterization of materials using X-ray diffraction or spectroscopy methods. Experience in additive manufacturing and computer aided design is meriting.

Personal qualities, such as the ability to run scientific projects and to simultaneously interact with other researchers are very important. The applicant needs to be determined, structured and able to work efficiently both individually and in groups.

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

-  has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or

-  has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or

-  has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/.

Instructions for application: Your application should include the following:

1) A brief personal letter where you briefly describe yourself, why you want to become a PhD student and why you are suitable for the position.

2) A CV/résume (max 2 pages).

3) Certified copies of your Master’s degree and course grades.

4) Copies (or drafts thereof) of thesis work and other documents, such as publications, which you wish to invoke.

5) Name and contact information to two persons who have agreed to act as references for you, alternatively, letter(s) of recommendation. Your relationship to each of the references should be stated.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.  

Starting date: Spring 2021 or by appointment.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100%.

For further information about the position please contact Dr Jonas Lindh, jonas.lindh@angstrom.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 15 February 2021, UFV-PA 2021/98.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.