Flow-Controlled Primary Nucleation in Pharmaceutical Crystallization

This work will be carried out in the research group of Prof Kuhn in the Department of Chemical Engineering at KU Leuven. The Kuhn group focuses on transport processes and reactions in flow, combining experimental and computational approaches to address transport limitations and their scale-up from lab to production. Using microreactor technology, we develop continuous and sustainable chemical processes, integrating green activation methods (e.g. ultrasound, photo- and electrochemistry) and advancing particle handling and synthesis in flow systems. We also form part of the larger Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (ProcESS) group at the Department of Chemical Engineering with expertise in process intensification, use of alternative energy sources and membrane technology.
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Project

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate primary nucleation mechanisms under defined flow conditions within the ERC Advanced Grant project CrystalControl. 

The project explores how fluid flow patterns and shear fields influence nucleation kinetics and polymorphism, addressing a central challenge in pharmaceutical manufacturing where crystal properties determine product performance.

Research Focus

• Experimental study of nucleation under controlled shear fields and flow patterns
• Operation and development of microreactors and continuous crystallizers
• Quantification of nucleation kinetics via induction time analysis
• Integration of Raman spectroscopy and high-speed imaging
• Correlation of flow conditions with polymorph formation

Profile

• Requirement: MSc in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline with strong overall marks
• Knowledge of flow chemistry and crystallization will be regarded as a plus
• Adequate English (written and verbal communication) for scientific interactions required
• Strong motivation is a must
• Willingness to work at interdisciplinary boundaries

Offer

The successful candidate will be offered a PhD fellowship to become part of our international team with global research links to work towards a PhD. Funding can be provided for a period of 4 years.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Simon Kuhn, mail: [email protected].

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