Postdoc in Solid-State NMR on Pharmaceuticals at Stockholm University

Posted on | by Alexandra Meng

Postdoctoral Scholarship for Solid-State NMR Studies on Crystallization of Pharmaceuticals

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University  

Closing date: June 19, 2023.

The Department of Materials- and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) with about 140 employees is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University (SU). The extensive research activities of MMK encompass both the development and characterization of large groups of (functional) materials, such as soft matter and polymers, biomaterials, self-assembled and porous materials, for primarily applications in Materials Science and Sustainable/Green Chemistry. The experimental characterisation techniques involve X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, NMR and other spectroscopic techniques, along with modelling by computer simulations. Environmental aspects are an important part of the research activities.

Project description

Project Leader: Prof.  Mattias Edén, Email: mattias.eden@mmk.su.se

Efficient drugs for the treatment of diseases are a critical need for society. A crucial step in drug development is to obtain the optimal solid form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), which is challenging because most active pharmaceutical ingredients are able to adopt different solid forms (polymorphs), crystalline as well as amorphous. It is therefore imperative to develop new crystallization methods.

This project is one part of a research program lead by Prof. Xioadong Xou (PI), involving several research group at SU with a wide palette of expertise in material synthesis and characterization by experiments and modelling. The postdoc in the present project will perform structural studies involving routine as well as advanced magnic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR experimentation. These encompass (1) application and further refinements of a new NMR crystallography method yielding H-H internuclear distances and applied to APIs and cocrystals thereof. (2) Cocrystal formation studied in situ by MAS NMR.

Main responsibilities

We are inviting a self-motivated and creative individual to apply for a postdoc opening that will primarily involve application of advanced MAS NMR techniques (experimentation involving dipolar recoupling and 2D correlation NMR). The selected candidate is expected to plan, execute, and disseminate the research orally as well as in writing (scientific papers). The postdoc will work closely with personnel that have expertise in synthesis and materials characterization by diffraction techniques and electron microscopy, as well as in computer modeling.

Qualification Requirements

The applicant should have a Ph.D degree in Chemistry (preferred), Physics, or equivalent, and a well-documented experience with MAS NMR experimentation. The degree must have been completed at latest before the the scholarship decision is made, but no more than 3 years before the closing date of the application period. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances: such reasons encompass sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

Selection criteria
The selection will be based primarily on scientific excellence and well-documented experience of applying advanced MAS NMR techniques (dipolar recoupling and 2D correlation NMR experimentation). The ideal candidate is a self-motivated and creative person with a passion for solving challenging scientific problems. The applicant should have strong English skills, both orally and in writing, and an ability to interact and collaborate with colleagues.

Scholarhip

The position is funded by a scholarship for up to two years. The amount of the scholarship and the starting date is negotiable. Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Further Information

For more information, please contact the project leader Professor Mattias Edén; mattias.eden@mmk.su.se

 

Application

The application should be written in English and must include

  • Letter of interest, with a description of previous research interests and experience, in particular previous experience with advanced MAS NMR experimentation.
  • CV and a list of publications
  • Copy of PhD diploma
  • the contact information of at least two references

Please send your application by email as a single pdf file: mattias.eden@mmk.su.se, with the reference “POSTDOC NMR” in the subject line.Reviewing of the applications will begin immediately.

You are welcome to apply!

Closing date: June 19, 2023