PhD Studentship: Modelling of Strain-Rate Effects in Pharmaceutical Tabletting

Funder: Novo Nordisk (home and overseas candidates eligible)

Duration: 4 years (start October 2024)

Supervisor: Professor James Elliott

Stipend:  EPSRC equivalent, £19327 per annum

During early-stage formulation and process development, scientists undergo extensive experimental screening campaigns and, although the tablet failure risk is reduced, there still exist risks that remain undetected and often cause issues during upscaling to production settings, leading to delays and at times undesired process changes. Being able to predict the compaction behaviour at different compression speeds, densities and compositions before formulations are transferred to large-scale production, will be a game changer in the tabletting field. Develop an experimental protocol to investigate the effect of the compression speed, tablet composition and powder characteristics on the tabletting performance. 

The main aims of this project are:

1. Improve our existing discrete element model ((VLS-DEM) to enable the compression performance prediction considering the attributes mentioned above
2. Apply the framework to a systematic tablet production upscaling study

Applicants should have (or expect to be awarded) an upper 2nd or 1st class honours degree at the level of MSci, MEng (or overseas equivalents) in a relevant subject (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Maths), some programming experience and a willingness to engage with industry throughout the project.

Informal enquiries may be made by email to Professor James Elliott, jae1001@cam.ac.uk.

Applications are made through the 'applicant portal'- click the 'Apply' button above.

Further information on the application process is available from Dr Rosie Ward (remw2@cam.ac.uk ).

We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period-

Please quote reference LJ40771 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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