Paid Diploma

Paid Diploma / Master's Thesis

**Optimising the crystallisation / purification process of a key API for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease**

Ref. No. DA183

To dedicated students of pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, process engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical engineering.

**Objective**

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Master’s student to join our pharmaceutical development team in a research project focused on the crystallisation and purification of a critical active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop/optimise a crystallisation process that ensures high purity, the correct solid-state form (polymorph), and a well-defined particle size distribution (PSD). A central challenge lies in the effective removal of process
- and degradation-related impurities through crystallisation, while simultaneously maintaining control over the polymorphic form, which directly influences bioavailability, stability, and manufacturability.

Key tasks will include:

- Systematic screening of crystallisation solvents and anti-solvent strategies
- Investigation of process parameters (e.g., temperature profiles, seeding, supersaturation control)
- Control and monitoring of polymorphic transitions
- Tailoring of PSD through variation of stirring, cooling rates, and other process parameters
- Application of design of experiments (DoE) for process optimisation
- Use of analytical methods such as HPLC, XRPD, DSC, TGA, microscopy, and laser diffraction to characterise purity, form, and particle properties

This thesis offers hands-on experience in pharmaceutical process development, the chance to contribute to an impactful therapeutic area, and close collaboration with experienced scientists.

**Withing the framework of this diploma / master’s thesis we offer the following**:

- Extensive participation in a top-level and industrially relevant research project in an international environment
- Supervised training in the task
- Assistance of experienced staff with the implementation of innovative ideas
- Access to highly modern infrastructure on campus of Graz University of Technology
- Assistance with the publication of results

**Financing**
- Compensation on the basis of a service contract