Egis Zeneli is one of our InPharma Early Stage Researchers (ESR 6). During her time as part of the InPharma team, she was hosted at the University of Applied Sciences & Arts Northwestern Switzerland in the Institute of Pharma Technology and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV in the Drug Product Development department in Belgium. Her project focuses on developing computational methods for supersaturating drug delivery systems to address the solubility challenges faced by many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). As part of our InPharma on-the-job series, we have organised short interviews with our ESRs to better understand first-hand what a working within an industry-focused doctoral training program looks like.
Can you provide an overview of your current research project?
My work focuses on supersaturating delivery systems, with an emphasis on amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), as enabling formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs. I use high-throughput methods and computational tools to evaluate in-vitro in-silico correlation between experimental outcomes and computational predictions to ultimately aid excipient selection.
What does a typical day in your research project look like?
My work is mainly experimental, therefore most of the time is spent in the lab. This is also my favourite part. However, a good amount of time is also spent on planning and designing experiments as well as data analysis. Considering I use a high-throughput method I have large datasets to analyse.
What benefits do you see of spending half of your doctorate in the non-academic sector?
Before starting my PhD, I worked in the industry for quite some time. However, I can see how as an early stage researcher, without previous work experience, it is very valuable to experience both environments. A side from gaining knowledge and understanding of the industrial setting, this allows for a more informed career choice after the PhD, be it academic or industrial.
How did you find your training within then industry-focused doctoral training program?
Here at J&J I am part of the automation team. This means I use a number of robots, such as liquid and powder handling roots, on a daily basis. Very exciting from my perspective. Without the possibility of an industry-based training use of high-throughput robots would have been less likely. Furthermore, the type of work is always evolving. This is very important for me as it translates into variety on a day-to-day basis, which keeps me more interested and focused, and offers a constant opportunity for personal growth.
What are your plans for the remainder of your studies within InPharma and beyond?
I am a very goal-oriented person and having a clear target to work toward motivates me. Which is why I would like to continue my career in the industry.