Master Thesis, Turbuhaler Material change, astrazeneca

Job description
About AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. We’re focused on the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We commit to those areas where we think we can really change the course of medicine and bring big new ideas to life. We conduct our research across three continents, manufacture in 16 countries and work in over 100 countries while our medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

Background
Inhalers are devices that are used to deliver medication to the lungs to treat respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD (sv. KOL). At AstraZeneca Sweden Operations several such inhaler products are produced. These inhalers are complex designs composed of both plastic and metal components. Recently we have identified a need for changing the material in one of the Turbuhaler device components to reduce AZ’s carbon footprint and facilitate improved manufacturability. However, the polymer material qualities that are accepted for use with pharmaceuticals and for medical devices are highly controlled and limited, resulting in extended timelines for finding alternative or replacement materials. 

Responsibilities
Aim
The aim of this project is to find an alternative material for the device component with similar mechanical properties. This includes:
• identification of relevant material properties based on the device’s functional-, processing and assembly requirements
• identify alternative materials with improved environmental sustainability 
• collaboration with the component supplier, academia and/or external test institutes
• laboratory work, most likely focused on mechanical properties (short term and long term) and testing
• assessment of potential carbon footprint reduction

Qualifications
Student profile
M. Sc. student in the area of polymer technology, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, material science or equivalent. Students based at Swedish universities with strong background and interest in polymeric materials are strongly encouraged to apply.

General
The work (30 or 60 credits) will be carried out at AstraZeneca or at a relevant Swedish academic institution. 

Starting date: Spring 2021 or as agreed.



Application
AstraZeneca is cooperating with Randstad Life Sciences in this recruitment process. We only accept applications through Randstad’s website.

Deadline for application: 2020-10-18, selection and interviews will be ongoing. The position may be filled before the last day of application, therefore, apply as soon as possible.

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Melina Arcos at Randstad Life Sciences: melina.arcos@randstad.se.
Questions regarding the project are to be directed to Pontus Olin at AstraZeneca: pontus.olin@astrazeneca.com. 

About the company
At AstraZeneca we turn ideas into life changing medicines and strive to continuously meet the unmet needs of patients worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.