Thesis work: Turbuhaler Desiccant Improvement, AstraZeneca

Arbetsbeskrivning
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 are 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 for alleviation and treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD (sv. KOL). At AstraZeneca Sweden Operations several such inhaler products are manufactured. These inhalers are complex designs composed of both plastic and metal components. A vital function of the Turbuhaler device is to prevent moisture ingress into the drug product and to scavenge any moisture that manages to enter the device. This is achieved by using a desiccant integrated into the device. Recently we have decided to evaluate the feasibility of improving the moisture scavenging properties and facilitate improved device manufacturability.

Ansvarsområden
Aim
The aim of this project is to identify and evaluate potential alternatives to the existing desiccant integrated in the Turbuhaler device. This includes:
identification of relevant desiccant materials based on the device’s functional-, processing and assembly requirements
perform comparative testing between the identified materials/systems and existing desiccant
collaboration with the component supplier, academia and/or external test institutes
laboratory work, most likely focused on moisture sorption testing
identify potential design changes to the device to accommodate the improved desiccant system


Kvalifikationer
Student profile
M. Sc. student in the area of polymer technology, chemical engineering, material science or equivalent. Students based at Swedish universities with strong background and interest in moisture sorption kinetics and thermodynamics 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.

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

Starting date: January 2022 or as agreed

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

Deadline for application: 2021-10-31, 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 Malin Ahlström at Randstad Life Sciences: malin.ahlstrom@randstad.se.
Questions regarding the project are to be directed to Pontus Olin at AstraZeneca: pontus.olin@astrazeneca.com.

Om företaget
If you’re inspired by the possibilities of science to make a difference and ready to discover what you can do – join us! At AstraZeneca we are guided in our work by a strong set of values, and we’re resetting expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. By truly following the science, we pioneer new methods, new thinking and bring unexpected teams together. From scientists to sales, lab techs to legal, we’re on a mission to turn ideas into life-changing medicines that transform lives. We need great people who share our passion for science and have the drive and determination to meet the unmet needs of patients around the world. If you’re swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.