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Applications are invited for a 3-month research assistant position in Materials Chemistry, working in the UCLan Centre for Smart Materials (Chemistry Division) on a project to investigate molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as nucleants to control crystallisation.
The role
Being able to control the size, shape and form of crystals has important consequences in many industries, yet we still cannot fully exert this control. One way this could be achieved is by introducing nucleants to promote crystallisation in a more controlled manner. One promising candidate for these nucleants is molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which have been previously used in protein crystallisation. In this project, we will investigate using MIPs as nucleants for a broader range of crystal systems, with the aim of controlling the polymorph of various small molecule crystal systems.
The research assistant will prepare and characterise MIPs, as well as non-imprinted control samples, and then use them in quantitative crystallisation experiments for several small molecule crystal systems including active pharmaceutical ingredients. This position will be based in the laboratory and will involve using several solid-state characterisation techniques. This project will also involve data processing. The successful candidate will have a good honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant area, including laboratory experience, with a strong interest in materials chemistry.
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