Research Fellow

Research Fellow in DEM Simulation and AI for API Characterisation

About the Project: In the early development of new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), pharmaceutical scientists often have access to only small amounts of material for testing. Even as we progress through the development and commercialisation process, minimising the amount of API used for experimental purposes significantly reduces the project's carbon footprint. Consequently, the ability to better characterise and predict the behaviour of new APIs can accelerate the development of new products, reduce waste, and enhance the sustainability of development efforts.

Role Summary

Project Overview: We are offering a unique opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher to join a high-impact, 6-month project. The successful candidate will collaborate with experts at AstraZeneca and academics from the University of Birmingham. The project focuses on using Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation to gain a deeper understanding of how fundamental particle properties influence the bulk behaviour of APIs.

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

• Conduct virtual tests on particles with diverse fundamental properties, investigating aspects such as packing, compressibility, permeability, cohesion, coordination number, and shear strength.
• Implement AI models based on DEM simulations to predict mesoscale properties.
• Utilise AI model predictions to establish correlations with relevant bulk properties of actual materials, bridging the gap between fundamental properties and macroscopic behaviour.
• Contribute to the development of a multiscale modelling framework applicable to simulations of real equipment like feeders, blenders, and tablet presses.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications 
• Strong expertise in DEM modelling.
• Preferred experience with machine learning/artificial intelligence techniques.
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Informal enquiries to Claire Moran, email: c.e.moran.1@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the above 'Apply' button.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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