We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic Postdoc for a 3-years full time position at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen.
The project is looking towards the investigation of the surface and bulk mobility properties in structurally-related pharmaceutical polyamorphs. The main goal is to identify structural differences at the surface and in the bulk of amorphous pharmaceutical systems prepared by different methods and correlate those structural features with their molecular mobility and physical stability.
Information on the department can be found at: https://pharmacy.ku.dk
Our research
Research in the Pharmaceutical Processes and Products research group focusses on the solid state of pharmaceutical preparations, with a specific interest in the transformation of a drug from the crystalline state to high-energy amorphous forms. Using a team-based and interdisciplinary approach and embedded in an international and diverse network of collaborators, we investigate different types of amorphous pharmaceutical systems with respect to their physicochemical properties, their stabilization and their pharmaceutical performance.
Your job
Your task would be to investigate the formation of new polyamorphs in structurally-related pharmaceutical molecules and study their surface and bulk mobility as well as their physical stability. In particular, we strive to understand i) how can molecular conformation, size and ability for hydrogen bond interactions influence the surface and bulk mobility on polyamorphs; ii) what type of intermolecular interactions occur at the surface and in the bulk of polyamorphs; and iii) what correlation can be found between the type of intermolecular interactions at the surface/bulk of polyamorphs and their physical stability. To address these questions, you will be using a combination of sophisticated solid-state characterization techniques, including X-ray total scattering and solid-state NMR, with computational modelling (molecular dynamics and DFT calculations).
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:
Essential experience and skills:
- You have a PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related areas
- You are highly experienced in the preparation and solid state characterization of pharmaceutical polyamorphs and amorphous systems
- You are highly experienced with X-ray diffraction techniques, including x-ray total scattering
- You have an active interest on using combined experimental and computational methods to elucidate the molecular-level organization (‘structure’) of amorphous and crystalline systems
- Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
- Excellent English skills written and spoken
The essential experience and skills in bullet points 2 to 4 should be evidenced in publication as co-authors or first author.
Desirable experience and skills:
- Experience/knowledge in/of in solid-state NMR
- Experience/knowledge in/of computational modelling
The desirable experience and skills in bullet points 1 and 2 should be evidenced in publication as co-authors or first author.
Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, and the Pharmaceutical Processes and Products research group offers a stimulating environment, including regular group meetings and possibilities to present, disseminate and discuss research results.
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The starting date is 1st of June 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.
Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.
Questions
For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c Thomas Rades; thomas.rades@sund.ku.dk; www.sund.ku.dk
Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).
Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
- CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
- A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
- List of publications.
Deadline for applications: 29th of February 2024, 23.59pm CET
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
Deadline: 2024-02-29 at 23:59
Unit: Health/Life sciences
Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.