Ph.D. position available: Pharmaceutical solid stage analysis of levonorgestrel in microneedles

A Ph.D. position within formulation characterization focused on microneedles is available at the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy in the pharmacy research group. The PhD project is conducted in cooperation with colleges from the University of Copenhagen and Monash University in Melbourne.

Starting date: 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. 
Application deadline: 31 August 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Project background
Levonorgestrel (LNG) is a synthetic progestin hormone commonly used in various forms of hormonal contraception. Several pharmaceutical products are already available on the market contain LNG, including tablets and implants, i.e. products from short to very long release rates. Alternative for low aqueous soluble compounds, such as LNG, a suspension can be delivered where the release rate most likely would be controlled by the size of the particles in accordance with the principles behind the Noyes-Witney equation, which could then be incorporated into microneedles for self-administration. 

The microneedle hereby functions as a needle delivering a suspension into the sub-dermis, hence understanding and controlling the particle size of LNG in the MAP inserted would both scientifically and regulatory be considered as a critical formulation quality attribute. MAP’ can be produced by different fabrication methods, which in many cases uses organic solvent containing the polymer that will form the MAP solubilized and LNG suspended in them. This process may in principle influence the size of the incorporated LNG, hence a critical analytical question for such a system would be to understand if the LNG particle size is affected during the manufacturing process and if what process parameters that may drive such a particle size increase. 

The purpose of the project is therefore to conduct solid stage analysis on LNG in and outside the microneedle, thereby developing an analytical method to determine the particle size of LNG dispersed in a none-dissolvable MAP matrix by investigation of orthogonal analytical methods leading towards a method that can be implemented as a quality control method for release of suspension containing microneedles. The solid stage methods that are intended investigated falls within a broad range of techniques including ss-NMR and Raman just to mention a few. 

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in working on the boundary between pharmacy, chemistry and physics focused on characterization of solid materials in a pharmaceutical matrix. The candidate will hold a M.Sc. in pharmacy, chemistry, physics, or closely related area. Previous experiences with one or more of the following is considered an advantage: formulation design of suspensions, particle size characterization, solid stage NMR, low energy Raman microscopy.

The candidate must be independent and fluent in English both orally and written. 

For further information about the position please contact Professor René Holm (reho@sdu.dk).

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is a department focused on basic research. We are happy to move beyond traditional disciplines and work to develop new technologies and sciences across physics, chemistry, pharmacy, mathematics, computer science and biology. The department’s research thus contributes to new knowledge and solutions with applications in the areas of climate, environment, energy, and health.

Read more about the Ph.D. program at the Department. 

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow can be in different types of programmes

• The 5+3 programme: Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three  years. Students who have completed their MSc. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. 
• The 4+4 programme: Appointme