Discussion List Archives

[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

[SA_scat] MPhil/PhD Studentship involving SANS at University ofGreenwich

  • To: <sa_scat@iucr.org>
  • Subject: [SA_scat] MPhil/PhD Studentship involving SANS at University ofGreenwich
  • From: <stephen.king@stfc.ac.uk>
  • Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:03:44 +0000
  • Accept-Language: en-GB, en-US
MPhil/PhD Studentship
Conformations and Interactions of Controlled Release Polymers in Solution
University of Greenwich -School of Science

Chatham, Kent

(Ref: PGRO-SOS-01-13)

Multi-particulates are solid oral dosage forms consisting of a multiplicity of small discrete units (pellets) that are typically encapsulated to give the final product with desired dose. Pellets can be tailored for pulsatile, controlled, delayed and targeted drug release depending upon the polymer(s) employed during manufacture. An intimate understanding of the properties of the controlled release (CR) film formation is critical to ensure consistent performance (e.g. drug release & stability) of the product as the project progresses from pilot scale through to successful product launch.

A modified release film coat contains three main components: film former, permeability enhancer and plasticizer. The most common film former is ethylcellulose (EC). Various permeability enhancers have been used, of which hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is the most common. Differences in film preparation, such as the solvent system used, impact on the level of dispersion of the two components, the resultant film properties and hence properties such as drug release rate, mechanical integrity etc. Therefore, understanding the relative strengths of the polymer-polymer, polymer-solvent and polymer-drug interaction in these complex blends is critical. This project will quantify these interactions using spectroscopic methods such as NMR & neutron scattering (SANS).

You will be joining a dynamic group that has wide-ranging interests spanning drug delivery to motor engine products. The group uses a range of powerful experimental methodology to characterise these systems, in particular small-angle neutron scattering (ISIS, Oxfordshire, UK & ILL, Grenoble, France) and NMR, as well as more routine techniques such as rheology, surface tension etc.

The successful candidate will receive a £13,762 bursary (years 2 and 3 linked to RCUK Doctoral Stipend rate) plus a contribution towards tuition fees of up to the equivalent of the Home fee (currently £3900 pa), subject to performance. International students will be required to make up the difference in fees to £10,950.

Applicants must hold a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours Bachelor's or Master's degree (UK or UK equivalent) in a relevant discipline, e.g. formulation science as well as broader degrees that have covered this area, e.g. Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science. Previous experience/knowledge of small angle neutron scattering, NMR and techniques such as rheology will be an advantage.

For further information please contact the supervisor: Professor Peter Griffiths, p.griffiths@gre.ac.uk<mailto:p.griffiths@gre.ac.uk>, +44 (0)208 331 9927.

For additional information about the studentship and links to the application form please go to: http://www2.gre.ac.uk/research/study/studentships

The application form should be completed and returned to: postgraduateresearch@gre.ac.uk<mailto:postgraduateresearch@gre.ac.uk> and include: a comprehensive CV and a one page covering letter explaining your interest in the project and how it relates to past experience and present motivations. Attachments should be in PDF or Word format.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 2 August  2013


-- 
Scanned by iCritical.

_______________________________________________
sa_scat mailing list
sa_scat@iucr.org
http://mailman.iucr.org/mailman/listinfo/sa_scat

Reply to: [list | sender only]
International Union of Crystallography

Scientific Union Member of the International Science Council (admitted 1947). Member of CODATA, the ISC Committee on Data. Partner with UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in the International Year of Crystallography 2014.

International Science Council Scientific Freedom Policy

The IUCr observes the basic policy of non-discrimination and affirms the right and freedom of scientists to associate in international scientific activity without regard to such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political stance, gender, sex or age, in accordance with the Statutes of the International Council for Science.

Useful links