Postdoctoral project: HARMONYX: polarization-resolved third-harmonic generation

The work will be performed in the Drug Delivery and Disposition research group (Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences; KU Leuven) under the direct supervision of Prof. G. Van den Mooter (https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/nl/person/00006817) in close collaboration with the department of Chemistry of KULeuven. KU Leuven is one of the top 50 universities in the world according to the "Times Higher Education" ranking, and declared #1 in Most Innovative University of Europe by Reuters 4 years in a row. KU Leuven offers an exciting multi-disciplinary research environment, a broad range of training courses, and full social and medical insurance.
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Responsibilities

The efficacy of drugs is governed by the solid-state form of their active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). APIs are typically dispersed in their crystalline form mixed with excipients such as cellulose or lactose. The arrangement of API molecules within the crystal lattice determines solubility, stability, and oral bioavailability of drugs, as well as their patentability. Controlling the solid state is therefore crucial for the therapeutic performance and commercial success of new drug candidates. This importance is reflected in two key challenges for the pharmaceutical industry: (i) poor solubility, which often requires bypassing the crystalline state through amorphous formulations, and (ii) crystallization control and polymorphism, which determine efficacy and stability of solid-state APIs. Both challenges demand methods that can detect crystallization at scale and with high sensitivity, whether in amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) or in polymorph screening. 

This project will deliver a universal approach based on nonlinear optical microscopy, that outperforms the currently used analytical methods. The central aim of the project is to establish polarization-resolved harmonic microscopy as a universal method for pharmaceutical crystal detection. This ambition is anchored in these overarching objectives:

Validate complementary harmonic imaging (CHI) as a pharmaceutical tool by benchmarking it against conventional methods like differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction, and representative model systems.

Establish sensitivity limits, mesophase detection, and 3D quantification across key formulation types (amorphous  soliddispersions, powders, films)
Develop next-generation CHI technology for high-throughput imaging and in-line process monitoring

Profile

• Profile: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Physical Chemistry
• Research experience: PhD thesis work and/or experience in formulation of amorphous forms, polymorphic modifications, physico-chemical characterization
• Communication skills: Ability to work both independently and in a team, direct communication style. Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory!

Offer

The project is funded by a C3 grant (internal KULeuven grant). It covers competitive salary, lab and conference expenses and is provided for one year with a perspective to extend. 

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Guy Van den Mooter, mail: [email protected].

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