Thesis work, 30/60 credits - Exploring Imaging and Surface Analysis Techniques in Pharmaceutical Development

Are you ready to dive into cutting-edge research in pharmaceutical development? Join us to enhance your expertise in imaging and surface analysis! 

About AstraZeneca: 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centred biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.  

About the Opportunity: 

As a Thesis Worker at AstraZeneca, you’ll find an environment that’s full of unique opportunities and exciting challenges. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your areas of interest whilst equally developing a broad skillset and knowledge base to get the best out of your experience. You’ll be working on meaningful projects to make an impact and deliver real value for our patients and our business. 

Thesis work description:  

This master thesis focuses on developing and establishing experimental and computational methodologies using two essential techniques:  

• Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) in the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)  
• Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).  

The purpose of this work is to aid Global Product Development (GPD) in maximizing knowledge gain from these complementary techniques for the characterization of pharmaceutical active ingredients and formulations. 

The landscape of pharmaceutical development is evolving, presenting increasingly complex challenges as drug delivery systems extend beyond traditional methods. Understanding the relationship between microstructure and material properties is crucial for designing robust formulations that maintain manufacturability and drug product quality. 

EDX and ToF-SIMS are critical tools in this endeavor, particularly in foreign particle investigations, where timely laboratory work supports risk assessment and resolution of manufacturing deviations to ensure patient safety and product quality. SEM-EDX provides spatially resolved elemental composition, while ToF-SIMS identifies and quantifies surface species, often analyzed through multivariate data approaches. 

Key Objectives: 

• Develop Expertise in EDX and ToF-SIMS - Receive training and develop skills in SEM-EDX (ZEISS Gemini SEM 300 with Oxford Ultim Max 100 EDX detector) and ToF-SIMS (new advanced OrbiSIMS, M6 Hybrid SIMS, IONTOF GmbH). 
• Collaborative Research - Work with in-house imaging and data/image analysis experts, and collaborate with external application specialists as needed. 
• Imaging Experiments - Conduct imaging experiments on active pharmaceutical ingredients, formulations, and devices, including preparation of samples for analysis. 
• Identify and Quantify Composition - Determine the elemental and chemical composition of specimen surfaces through EDX and ToF-SIMS investigations. 
• Technique Optimization - Investigate the impact of various working modes and parameters on analysis results to enhance accuracy and reliability. 
• Best Practice Documentation - Establish and share best practices for EDX methodology within the GPD Material Design community. 
• Develop Correlative Microscopy Workflows - Create workflows for combining ToF-SIMS and SEM-EDX for comprehensive sample analysis. 
• Data Analysis Techniques - Combine and evaluate experimental results from both techniques using data/image analysis and multivariate approaches to enhance insights. 
• Networking and Professional Growth - Participate in unit and departmental meetings, network with peers, and gain insights into pharmaceutical development. 

Structure: 

• Starting: Fall 2025 (adapted after the course) 
• Credits: 30-60 (scope could be adjusted) 

Essential Requirements: 

• Ongoing master’s studies within Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Pharmaceutics or Materials 

So, what’s next?  

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!  

We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date 27th of April 2025. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.  

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.