PhD Studentship: Experimental Investigation of Pharmaceutical Tablet Disintegration and Drug Release

Pharmaceutical tablets are the most common way to deliver medicines, but their performance depends on how well they break apart (disintegrate) and release their active ingredients. This PhD project will explore the science behind tablet disintegration and drug release, using advanced imaging and analysis techniques to improve drug design and manufacturing.

You will work closely with a UKRI-funded research team, including postdocs and fellow PhD students, to conduct hands-on experiments such as:

• Formulating and manufacturing tablets with different structures.
• Using cutting-edge imaging (X-ray tomography, Raman spectroscopy) to map 3D drug distribution inside tablets.
• Measuring real-time disintegration under simulated stomach conditions.
• Analysing drug release data to refine predictive models.

This project combines lab work, data analysis, and collaboration with experts in pharmaceutical science. Your findings will help develop better models to predict drug behaviour, ultimately leading to more effective and reliable medicines.

Ideal Candidate:

• A motivated graduate with a background in pharmacy, chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering.
• Hands-on lab experience and an interest in pharmaceutical research.
• Strong teamwork skills, as you’ll collaborate with other researchers.

Why Apply?

• Access to world-class facilities (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray imaging, in-situ dissolution testing).

Supervisors: Professor Charley Wu

Entry requirements

Open to any UK or international candidates. Starting in October 2025.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

To be considered for this PhD position, you must meet the minimum entry requirements for our doctoral programme. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A strong interest in pharmaceutical technology and engineering.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Strong written and oral communication abilities.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD programme page (via the ‘Apply’ button above).

In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.

Funding

Fully and directly funded for this project only, for 3.5 years. We offer a full UKRI standard rate stipend and home fees. The stipend is £20,780 for 2025-26, or pro rata for part-time equivalents.

Application deadline

1 June 2025

Enquiries

Contact Professor Charley Wu

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