A postdoc position within formulation characterization focused on formulations for topical application to the eye is available at the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy . The project is conducted in cooperation with Janssen Pharmaceuticals in Belgium.

The selected candidate will work with equilibrium modelling and machine learning with focus on preservation of eye drops. If preservatives interact with solubilising excipients added to make it a solution, the preservatives will lose their function – hence knowing the free fraction of preservative is key to obtaining the needed preservation. The objective of the position is therefore to develop theoretical based models to predict preservation needed in ocular formulations containing solubilising excipients, based upon chemical equilibrium theory.

Starting date: 1 December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Application deadline: 4 November 2024.
The position is available for one year.

Project background
Flux is a function of time, i.e. one way to optimize ocular drug absorption after topical administration is to increase the viscosity of the applied formulation. The viscosity would, however, slow the diffusion of the compound through the formulation, hence the purpose of the concrete project is to investigate diffusion as a function of viscosity, compound vehicle affinity and compound size for “solutions” and particle size for suspension systems.

The element in the project may include to:

• Determine stability constants for ocular preservations to relevant ocular solubilizing systems
• Define a mathematical model of competitive chemical equations in ocular formulations
• Experimentally prove the model
• Develop software interface for general applicability of models.

Besides these elements, the postdoc will be involved in a number of projects focused on data analysis if relevantly related to solubility enhancing excipients, but also related to understanding of other formulation systems.

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in working on the boundary between pharmacy and chemistry focused on defining mathematical models in Python or similar software that can be made easily available for users in the pharmaceutical industry. The candidate will hold an MSc in pharmacy, chemistry, physics, or a closely related area, and a Ph D, and be able to document experience with modelling of chemical equilibriums.

The candidate must be independent and fluent in English, both oral and written.

For further information about the position please contact Professor René Holm (reho@sdu.dk).

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is a department focused on basic research. We are happy to move beyond traditional disciplines and work to develop new technologies and sciences across physics, chemistry, pharmacy, mathematics, computer science and biology. The department’s research thus contributes to new knowledge and solutions with applications in the areas of climate, environment, energy, and health.

The Postdoc will be part of the Section for Chemistry and Pharmacy .

Application, salary etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation .

The application must include the following: