Postdoc position - Synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and surface modifications

Université Libre de Bruxelles - Free University of Brussels - (ULB) is a major academic institution with international recognition for scientific achievements, see https://www.ulb.be/

The group of Prof. Yves Geerts is active in the design, synthesis, processing and characterization of advanced molecular materials with unprecedented properties, see http://chimpoly.ulb.be/

Polymorphism that is the occurrence of more than one crystal structure for a given compound is very common for molecular crystals. Some organic molecules exhibit many polymorphs whereas others do not show any. Suddenly, new polymorphs of known active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) appear, production is stopped, patients are left without medicines, and business is ruined, e.g. cases of Ritonavir and Rotigotine. Despite numerous studies, a fundamental understanding still lacks, likely because polymorphism is mainly approached with rudimentary theoretical tools that are equilibrium thermodynamics and classical nucleation theory. For more than a decade, Geert’s group works on polymorphism from a non-equilibrium thermodynamic perspective. Main achievements are: i) The crystallization from the melt state allows reaching very large thermodynamic imbalance and hence unprecedented polymorphic forms. ii) Metastable polymorph layers, unknown in bulk, are obtained on rigid body interfaces, casting a new light on heterogeneous nucleation; iii) Directional crystallization in thermal gradient allows the obtaining of some specific forms due to particular dissipative conditions; iv) The influence of high pressure, a parameter rarely varied up to GPa range, has started to be investigated. POLYAPI project intends using unusual methods for obtaining unprecedented polymorphs of industrially important API.

In this frame, a talented highly motivated young organic chemist with a Ph.D. in synthetic chemistry is actively searched for synthesizing APIs and for anchoring them on model surfaces. The candidate must have a sound knowledge of multistep enantioselective synthesis, be hard at work, easy-going, rigorous, and have strong laboratory skills. He/she must be fluent in English and be able to write high-quality publications and to draft patent applications. Additional knowledge of French would be appreciated.

The successful applicant is expected to synthesize APIs, to graft them onto surfaces, and to contribute to their characterization by various methods. He or she will get a monthly fellowship of around €2900 (tax free). The position is for an initial duration of one year. Expected start in Spring 2025. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is hired.

A talented highly motivated young synthetic chemist with a Ph.D. in synthetic chemistry is actively searched. Candidates must be fluent in English with a sound knowledge of organic chemistry, strong laboratory skills and be able to write high-quality manuscripts. Additional knowledge of French would be appreciated.

To synthesize novel molecular systems

To supervise younger researchers

To integrate into Geerts group and work in collaboration with other researchers

To contribute to high-profile manuscripts

To file patent applications