At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on drug crystallisation using advanced techniques like Raman spectroscopy and X-ray scattering.
- Company: Join a leading academic institution with a focus on interdisciplinary science.
- Benefits: Receive a tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and access state-of-the-art facilities at Diamond Light Source.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug design while developing cutting-edge skills in machine learning and data analysis.
- Qualifications: First or Upper Second Class UK Bachelor (Honours) in relevant fields.
The predicted salary is between 19237 - 19237 £ per year.
Eligibility: UK Applicants only
Funding: EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years.
Lead Supervisor’s full name & email address: Dr Anuradha Pallipurath - a.r.pallipurath@leeds.ac.uk
Co-supervisor name: To be confirmed
Project summary: This interdisciplinary project presents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious scientist or engineer to work across the boundaries of chemistry, physics and engineering, with opportunities to develop a broad portfolio of skills. A combination of Raman spectroscopy and total X-ray scattering techniques will be used to study the crystallisation of drug molecules and molecular analogues, to determine the influence of functional groups on their crystallisation behaviour. Predictive control of industrial crystallisation requires an understanding of how drugs behave in solution, and getting experimental structural information in the solution state has not been possible until recently. With advances in computing facilities and in X-ray total scattering and Raman instrumentation, we can now realistically hope to establish the details of the intermolecular interactions between the drug and the surrounding chemical environment and the structural dynamics during crystallisation. The information gained in this project will enable improvements in process control and predictive modelling.
The project will combine experimental work with researchers at Leeds and at the UK's national synchrotron radiation facility, Diamond Light Source, and will involve some development of computational data analysis code and molecular modelling. You will also have an opportunity to learn machine learning methods for the analysis of structural information together with the development of correlative analysis techniques. You will be funded by the Royal Society and EPSRC DTP.
Control of crystallisation requires the understanding of structural dynamics of the molecules in the phase from which they form. Most industrial methods involve the use of solvents to control crystallisation. While there are methods to predict how molecular interactions affect batch processing, they are limited in how well the solvent system can be represented through known chemical and physical parameters of individual components. Synchrotron science has progressed in leaps and bounds recently and this allows for X-ray total scattering studies from non-crystalline materials such as solution phases as well as amorphous states. Further, Raman spectroscopy will provide information about molecular conformations for large molecules with flexible bonds. Together, these allow for more accurate molecular models to be generated and refined against experimental data. The resulting understanding of inter-molecular interactions will provide a wealth of new information, which can be used to improve predictive design and control of crystallisation using machine-learning methods.
This studentship will entail the development of correlative techniques using X-ray pair distribution function analysis and Raman spectroscopy together with molecular modelling of the experimental data. There will also be opportunities to explore the use of machine learning to mine the wealth of information generated from these techniques for the various systems studied.
Entry requirements: First or Upper Second Class UK Bachelor (Honours) or equivalent
Subject Area: Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics
Keywords: X-ray Scattering, Crystallisation, Machine Learning, Raman Spectroscopy
PhD Studentship: Predictive Design of Drug Co-Crystals Through Correlative Studies of Inter-Mol[...] employer: University of Leeds
As a leading institution in scientific research, this PhD studentship offers an exceptional opportunity for UK applicants to engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary work at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering. With access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Diamond Light Source and a supportive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration, students will benefit from a generous maintenance grant and the chance to develop valuable skills in machine learning and data analysis, paving the way for significant career advancement in the scientific community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Predictive Design of Drug Co-Crystals Through Correlative Studies of Inter-Mol[...]
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We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Predictive Design of Drug Co-Crystals Through Correlative Studies of Inter-Mol[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Labs!:As a trainee in chemistry, it's vital to highlight any laboratory experience you've had. Make sure your CV lists relevant coursework, lab techniques, and any projects you've undertaken that showcase your hands-on skills. This will give us a better sense of your practical abilities, which is super important in this field!
Highlight Your Passion for Science:In your cover letter, let us feel your enthusiasm for chemistry! Talk about why you chose this field and any specific areas of interest. Whether it’s organic chemistry, analytical techniques, or environmental chemistry, showing your passion can set you apart from the competition.
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to mention any relevant coursework or certifications that align with our needs at University of Leeds. If you’ve taken particular modules in biochemistry or physical chemistry, shout about them! This helps us see how we can nurture your training from the start.
Keep It Simple and Straightforward:Since this is a trainee role, we’re not expecting a long-winded application. Keep your CV concise and make your cover letter clear and to the point. Highlight your educational background and any specific relevant experiences without fluff. We want to see your potential!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Chemistry Basics
Make sure you’re super comfortable with the fundamental concepts of chemistry. We’re talking about chemical reactions, lab techniques, and safety protocols. The interviewer might throw some tricky questions your way, so brush up on these areas to show you’re ready to dive in!
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
If you've got any hands-on experience in a lab, don’t hold back! Talk about specific techniques or experiments you've conducted. Whether it's titrations or chromatography, let’s bring those lab experiences to the forefront so we can impress University of Leeds with our practical know-how!
✨Be Ready for Team Dynamics
In a chemistry role, collaboration is key. Expect questions about how you work on projects with others. Have a few anecdotes ready about group projects or lab partnerships where you played a crucial role. We want to demonstrate our ability to contribute positively to the team at University of Leeds!
✨Your Passion for Chemistry Matters
As this is a trainee position, the interviewers will be keen to see your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Be prepared to discuss why you want to start a career in chemistry and what excites you about the field. This is our chance to show that passion goes a long way in shaping our future at University of Leeds!
