Ph.D. position Biopharmaceutical Investigations of Long Acting Injectable Suspensions
Role highlights
Full Time
Permanent
Intern
On-site
This Ph.D. position focuses on advanced biopharmaceutical investigations and formulation characterization of long acting injectable suspensions (LAIs), emphasizing sustained drug release through manipulation of particle size distribution of crystalline active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Candidates should have a strong foundation in pharmaceutical formulation, particularly suspensions, supported by a Master’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, physics, or a closely related discipline. Key technical competencies include understanding the Noyes-Whitney dissolution kinetics, formulation composition effects, flocculation phenomena, and API crystal properties such as morphology, amorphous content, and residual solvents. The research aligns with Quality by Design (QbD) principles, requiring skills in risk assessment, formulation robustness, and design space development. Experience or familiarity with particle size characterization techniques, bioanalytical methods, and conducting or supporting in vivo studies in nonclinical models is advantageous. The role also involves pharmacokinetic modeling to correlate formulation variables with in vivo release profiles, aiming to develop predictive tools and risk matrices for LAI performance. The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary academic environment combining physics, chemistry, and pharmacy, emphasizing innovation in health-related pharmaceutical sciences. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and experimental skills, a keen interest in pharmaceutical sciences, and the ability to work within a research group focused on addressing challenges in drug delivery and patient adherence through novel LAI technologies.
About the role
Role Summary
- Ph.D. position focused on formulation characterization and biopharmaceutical investigations of long acting injectable suspensions (LAIs)
- Based at the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, SDU, Odense
- Part of the pharmacy research group
Project Background
- LAIs are pharmaceutical products designed for infrequent administration (weekly, monthly, or less)
- Provide sustained drug release and steady exposure
- Administered intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SC) as oil solutions, gels, microspheres, implants, or micro-/nanosuspensions (focus on suspensions)
- Beneficial for patients with dysphagia or chronic diseases where adherence is challenging
- Increasing relevance due to ageing population and rising incidence of chronic illnesses
- LAIs have been successful in treating antipsychotic conditions, with technology evolving from oil-based depots to micro- and nanosuspensions
Research Focus
- Manipulation of LAI suspension release rate mainly through particle size distribution of the crystalline API
- Noyes-Whitney equation: dissolution rate proportional to total surface area
- Other factors: formulation composition, flocculation, API crystal form (morphology, amorphous content, residual solvent)
- Project aligns with Quality by Design (QbD) principles: risk assessment, formulation understanding, robust design space
- Systematic investigation of formulation impact on in vivo release in nonclinical models
- Aim to generate a risk matrix for in vivo impact of particle size variations
- Outcome: tools for understanding biopharmaceutical performance of LAI suspensions, supported by quality tools and pharmacokinetic modelling
Requirements
- Strong interest in pharmaceutical formulation and evaluation, especially suspensions
- M.Sc. in pharmacy, chemistry, physics, or closely related area
Nice to Have
- Experience with one or more of:
- Formulation design of suspensions
- Particle size characterization
- Bioanalysis
- In vivo studies
About the Department
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU
- Located in Odense
- Focus on solving challenges in energy, environment, health, and sustainability
- Interdisciplinary approach across physics, chemistry, and pharmacy
- Recognized nationally and internationally
Application
- Deadline: 28 December 2025 at 23:59 local Danish time
- See the full call and application instructions at www.sdu.dk
- Please mention in your application that you found the job at Jobindex
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