Thesis work: chromatography analysis of pharmaceutical analytes

Job description
Investigation and optimization of mixed-mode chromatography for the analysis of pharmaceutical analytes dissolved in neat or high content of organic solvent

Thesis project: 30 credits
Student location: AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
Start: January 2022
Supervisors: Ass. Prof. Morgan Stefansson morgan.stefansson@astrazeneca.com, Senior Scientist Anna Granfors Anna.granfors@astrazeneca.com 

Background
At AstraZeneca a robot allowing automatic sample preparation has been developed and is also hyphenated to a chromatographic separation system for analysis. Methanol is used as dissolving medium creating a mismatch to the generally employed reversed phase systems. After initial tests, using a combination of fundamentally different retention mechanisms of the separation column, results showed great potential for its use. The separation column is packed with particles enabling hydrophobic as well as ion exchange interactions, usually called mixed-mode, and by a proper choice of chromatographic conditions the sample incompatibility can be overcome.

Project plan
The objective of this thesis plan is to investigate chromatographic parameters available, e.g.
Mobile phase composition and gradient elution settings (ionic strength, composition, pH, slope etc.)
Type of separation medium
Separation selectivity and analyte detectability, including injection volume
Robustness
Analysis time for high sample throughput

After screening of these and other parameters, an optimization aiming for a general procedure and fitting the automatic sample preparation system would be a great step forward. Finally, an application of a drug product would prove the case.

Responsibilities
The project plan is roughly divided into:
Installation, introduction and LC basic literature studies 
Screening of chromatographic parameters + relevant literature 
Optimization and application
Compilation of thesis and eventual complements 
Presentation in person or digital at AstraZeneca, Mölndal


Qualifications
Requirements:
M. Sc. student in chemistry or related fields


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

All chosen candidates need to pass a background check and an alcohol and drug test before starting the project.

Deadline for application: 2021-10-03

For more information: Veronika Knudsen veronika.knudsen@randstad.se or Kerstin Karlsson kerstin.karlsson@randstad.se

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.

Our Gothenburg site is one of AstraZeneca's three strategic science centers. We thrive in a multinational environment working cross-functionally across the globe with AstraZeneca colleagues as well as academic and industry partners. Our way of life is to foster a working environment that nurtures collaboration, openness and innovation. Therefore, we have created space for meetings, socializing and relaxation, where spontaneous meetings can give birth to new innovations. The unexpected ideas or thoughts that can come from a chat over something as simple as a cup of  coffee or a stroll on our “walk and talk” meeting trail. AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.