PhD Thesis - Understanding the API's physical mechanical properties to allow for efficient scaling

Would you like to be part of a DTU Novo Nordisk PhD scaping the future of aseptic production? Are you passionate about the manufacturing process of proteins in the pharmaceutical industry and how manufacturing conditions are determined by the interplay of physical factors and protein characteristics? Then you could be our new PhD student. Read on to find out more! About the PhD program Novo Nordisk and Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have initiated a new strategic partnership and created a joint PhD program with the aim to develop new technologies for Aseptic Production (AP) and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control Development (CMC). The goal is to achieve a more robust drug product design and automated product and process control for pharmaceutical products. This collaboration program aims to build on mutual synergies between DTU and Novo Nordisk to develop future life science talents, and the PhD students will work on cutting-edge multidisciplinary research. Integration of scientific insights from various disciplines like chemistry, mechanics, automation, data analytics and life sciences will be key for success. The program includes six departments from DTU (Construct, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Compute, Electro, and Health Technology), and as such, the PhD programs will be anchored with supervisors from these departments.
You will be at the heart of a vibrant multidisciplinary research team, consisting of fellow PhD students, Professors, master students and industry experts working on a joint research question. You will serve as a key facilitator of the collaboration and should, therefore, expect activities like conferences, symposiums etc. together with the other PhDs to be a central part of the studies. About this PhD position We are looking for a strong PhD candidate within the area of modelling physio-chemical process with focus on scaling drug product formulation. You will have a unique opportunity to work and do research in a strong collaboration between Novo Nordisk and the Technical University of Denmark. The objective of the PhD project is to create models/tools to guide rational (predictable) upscaling and process optimisation in aseptic production. The tools should account/describe the dissolution of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in the buffer based on the used equipment and, secondly, be based on an understanding of the physical/chemical resilience/robustness of the API (at the molecular level) and forces experienced in the used formulation equipment (model of flow and force dynamics in formulation vessels). The position will give you an exceptional opportunity to work both with the supervisors a t Novo Nordisk and theoretically at the university in such a way that you will be able to both make an academic contribution and see concrete solutions being implemented in Novo Nordisk.
Responsibilities You will become part of a research team working intensively with product and process interaction .

You will be responsible for setting up the experimental frame and modelling the dissolution of API and impact (shear forces) on API by the process equipment

You will investigate how best to translate from lab-scale formulation to manufacturing scale taking into account the very different types of mixing tanks used

You will be responsible for investigating what forces (physical stresses) the API experience during formulation

You will create dynamic models for the mixing and filling equipment used for drug formulation from labs to manufacturing

You will investigate how the physical forces impact the API - break or chemical/structure

Develop a scaling model that considers APIs' stress profile to minimize the required mix and fill time-based on the available equipment

Qualifications

An engineering educational background within Product Development, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Operational Manufacturing with top results

Deep understanding of the modelling the interplay between process and product

Knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Ability to work cross disciplinary across e.g. R&D, manufacturing engineering, finance, and operations

Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree is required

For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . The recruitment process will be conducted by supervisor(s) from Novo Nordisk as well as supervisor(s) from DTU. The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. About the DTU
DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. distributed over campuses in Denmark and in Greenland, and with collaborations with the best universities around the world. DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. DTU develops technology for people and helps to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. With this position we offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom and tempered by responsibility. This position will be anchored specifically in the departments of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering ( DTU C&BE ), as well the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine ( DTU B&BM ) Working at Novo Nordisk
At Novo Nordisk, we don’t wait for change. We drive it. We’re a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, and we know that what got us to where we are today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We embrace the spirit of experimentation, striving for excellence without fixating on perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development, through to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working to move the needle on patient care. For more information see: Novo Nordisk | driving change to defeat diabetes
Contact
For more information about the position, please contact Sr. Scientist, Christian Hundahl +45 30756447 from Novo Nordisk or Professor Ulrich Krühne +45 45252960 or Professor, Rasmus Frandsen +45 22511435 from DTU
Deadline
July 16, 2023. Please note, applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis. You do not need to attach a cover letter to your application, but please include a few sentences about why you are applying in your CV which we would like in English. To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your CV.Documentation of a relevant completed M.Sc. or M.Eng.-degree and a Course overview with grade list of Bachelor and Master’s degrees.and a Calculation of the weighted grade average with course names translated to English (link here)Please attach these documents under Diploma in the application form. Please be aware that when you apply, your CV and personal information will be shared with both DTU and Novo Nordisk Hiring Managers. We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.