Co-op Position 2 - Summer 2024

Mon, January 08, 2024

Summary

Research Assistant – Zwitterions Experimental Research

Solid State Pharma Inc. (SSPI) is a pharmaceutical research company focusing on crystallization engineering and solid-state science. SSPI is the partner to pharmaceutical and natural product companies to bring value through understanding the solid state of the drug candidates, extending the patent life of the drug and also developing crystallization processes that will lead to optimal physical properties, morphology and particle size distribution through crystallization engineering. This would result in consistent bioavailability and robust scale-up and manufacturing.

Salt formation and characterization is an important and critical step in the developmental process of new chemical entity development, whether it be for information protection, crystallization development, purification, improvements in solubility, or chiral resolution. While screening is typically a straight-forward process, based on the pKa values of the active pharmaceutical ingredient a potential counterion, Zwitterionic moieties can add an additional level of complexity where the propensity for self-interaction must be overcome in order to form salts. The main goal of the research is to investigate a handful of model Zwitterionic compounds with known pKa values and isoelectric points and to develop and assess screening approaches for successful salt formation. The research is experimental, focusing on method development and solid-state characterization with the possibility of publication.

Job Responsibility

• Performing experiments and characterizing the resulting solids using applicable instruments, i.e. XRPD, DSC, 1H NMR
• Performing solubility measurement of solids in solvents
• Record all the results in accordance with SSPI best practices
• Write high quality weekly and final reports in accordance with SSPI best practices
• Routinely present project results to supervisor
• Follow the safety rules and housekeeping principles to maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Skills

• Knowledge about Microsoft Office is a must (Excel)
• Be willing to work in a fast-paced lab environment and conduct experimental work
• Wet chemistry experience (weighing, pipetting, safe handling of common chemicals) is preferred
• Familiarity or experience with techniques such as XRPD, DSC, or microscopy is an asset
• Must have completed at least 4 semesters in Experimental Science or Engineering
• Minimum cumulative GPA of B

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Contact information

Please submit resume and cover letter to career@solidstatepharma.com