At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop predictive models for pharmaceutical manufacturing and enhance blending processes.
- Company: Collaborative project between AstraZeneca and Newcastle University.
- Benefits: Gain expertise in high-performance computing and access to industrial data.
- Other info: Unique opportunity for career growth in pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing sectors.
- Why this job: Transform pharmaceutical manufacturing with cutting-edge research and technology.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in chemical engineering or chemistry required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This industrially focused project, co-supervised by AstraZeneca and Newcastle University, will develop predictive models for pharmaceutical manufacturing and provide access to industrial data and high-performance computing facilities. You will gain expertise in particle simulation, experimental design, high-performance computing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and predictive modelling; preparing you for a career in pharmaceutical, digital manufacturing and data-driven engineering sectors.
Continuous Direct Compression (CDC) is rapidly emerging as a preferred method for pharmaceutical tablet production. A central challenge is powder blending, where active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) must be uniformly mixed with excipients to ensure precise, consistent dosage and product quality. The student will develop predictive computational models, validated using experiments and industrial data, to transform how pharmaceutical blending processes are designed and scaled. The project combines simulation, high-performance computing and industrially relevant experimentation, providing a unique opportunity to gain expertise that is highly sought after across pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing industries.
This project is part of the EPSRC CDT in Process Industries: Net Zero. The successful PhD student will be co-supervised by academics from the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University.
Key Details- Number of awards: 1
- Start date: 1 October 2026
- Award duration: 4 years
- Application closing date: 22 July 2026 (advert closes at midnight)
- Sponsor: EPSRC
- Supervisor: Dr Colin Hare
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemical engineering or chemistry). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential. This studentship is available to home students only.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero - Predictive Modelling of Powder Blending in Con[...]
✨Get With the Industry Buzz
Join online forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. Places like these often share insights about trainee vacancies, and you can even interact with professionals already in the field. Trust us, being an active participant can really help you get noticed.
✨Attend Industry-Specific Events
Keep an eye out for pharmaceutical conferences, workshops, and job fairs. These events are golden opportunities to meet recruiters, learn about internships or trainee roles, and soak up knowledge from industry leaders. Plus, nothing beats face-to-face networking to help your application stand out!
✨Connect with University Career Services
If you’re still at uni, speak to career services about their connections with pharmaceutical companies. Many firms look to recruit trainees from universities, and they might even host exclusive recruitment events just for students. Capitalise on this advantage!
✨Look at Our Open Roles Directly
At StudySmarter, we often have trainee positions that could be a great fit. Don’t hesitate to check our website for the latest job openings — applying directly gives you a better chance of being noticed. We want to help you land that role!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero - Predictive Modelling of Powder Blending in Con[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Science:When applying for a trainee role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's essential to demonstrate your enthusiasm for science and research. We want to see how your coursework or any lab experience has shaped your interest in pharmaceuticals. Mention specific projects, modules, or even science fairs that fired you up about this field!
Highlight Relevant Academic Achievements:Make sure your CV reflects your academic performance, especially in subjects relevant to pharmaceuticals. Include your grades in relevant modules, any specific certifications (like lab safety), and academic achievements. This will help us see your potential right off the bat!
Craft a Motivated Cover Letter:As a trainee, we’re keen to know about your motivation for applying to Newcastle University and this specific role. Use your cover letter to articulate why you want to kickstart your career in pharmaceuticals and what you hope to learn. Remember, we're looking for a hint of your personality and what makes you tick!
Include Any Relevant Projects or Internships:If you've completed any relevant projects, internships, or work experiences, don’t hold back! These can be golden tickets to showcasing your practical skills and understanding of the industry. Even volunteer work related to healthcare can add some extra sparkle to your application. Let’s see what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Get to Grips with Pharma Basics
Make sure you brush up on the basics of the pharmaceutical industry. Understand drug development processes, regulatory requirements, and the role of different stakeholders. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the field during your interview with Newcastle University.
✨Know Your Lab Techniques
Since you'll likely be asked about specific lab techniques or scientific principles relevant to the role, revisit any coursework or practical experiences you have. Be ready to discuss techniques like chromatography or assays, as well as your hands-on experience, which can be a big plus when applying for this trainee position.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, your enthusiasm and willingness to learn are vital. Highlight past experiences where you've quickly picked up new skills or adapted to challenges. This will reassure Newcastle University that you’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would approach common challenges in a pharmaceutical setting, like dealing with data discrepancies or ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This will help you stand out in your interview!
