Thesis work, 30 credits - Exploring the Polymorphic Landscape of Magnesium Stearate and Its Impact on Lubrication Efficiency

Are you ready to contribute to cutting-edge research in pharmaceutical manufacturing? Join us to investigate the complex behavior of magnesium stearate and its effects on tablet quality! 

About AstraZeneca: 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.  

About the Opportunity: 

As a Thesis Worker at AstraZeneca, you’ll find an environment that’s full of unique opportunities and exciting challenges. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your areas of interest whilst equally developing a broad skillset and knowledge base to get the best out of your experience. You’ll be working on meaningful projects to make an impact and deliver real value for our patients and our business. 

Thesis work description:  

This master’s thesis aims to explore the polymorphic landscape of magnesium stearate and its transformation matrix, with a specific focus on understanding its lubrication efficiency in pharmaceutical formulations. Magnesium stearate is widely used as a lubricant, but different polymorphic and meso forms can impact dissolution rates and tablet quality. Due to the absence of reference standards for each polymorph, quantifying these forms in commercial samples remains a significant challenge. 

Key Objectives: 

• Characterize Polymorphic Forms of commercially available grades - Explore and characterize the various polymorphic and meso forms of magnesium stearate to understand their physicochemical properties and lubrication efficiencies. 
• Investigate solid form during processing and storage - Assess the transformation behaviors of magnesium stearate bulk powder under different processing and storage conditions to evaluate their impact on lubrication performance. 
• Analyze Batch-to-Batch Variability - Evaluate batch-to-batch variability of magnesium stearate from various suppliers to build an understanding of lubrication sensitivity and risks associated with tablet quality. 
• Suggest Control Strategies – Create control strategies based on findings to minimize risks of quality loss in tablet formulations and enhance process robustness. 

Structure: 

• Duration: Fall term 2025 (adapted after the course) 
• Scope: 30 hp/credits 

Essential Requirements: 

• Ongoing master’s studies within Chemistry, Physics or Pharmaceutics 

So, what’s next?  

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!  

We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date 4th May 2025. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.  

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.