Masters Thesis

About SHL Medical

SHL Medical is a world-leading provider in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced self-injection devices. With a global team of 6,000 employees, we partner with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies to deliver innovative autoinjectors, pen injectors, and other drug delivery systems that ensure effective treatment for patients. Headquartered in Switzerland since 2018, with key operations in Sweden, Taiwan, and the US, we are united by a commitment to innovation, impact, and growth. Together, we empower our people to develop solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of patients while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic workplace for our colleagues.

Job Overview

As part of our research and development, SHL Medical handles technical samples containing novel pharmaceutical solutions. In accordance with Swedish law, handling of chemical substances by the employees needs to be assessed from a risk perspective and proper risk mitigations selected and implemented.

For many novel pharmaceutical solutions information on risks and handling guidance is lacking. Thus, we have decided to proactively create risk mitigation and handling guidelines for the most common groups of substances which are foreseen for the next few years.

For the right person this thesis will be elaborated in close collaboration with our engineers who will act as mentors and supervisors for the daily progress of this work. For the student it will be a good opportunity to excel in technical writing, learn how to handle a risk based approach in practice, present him/herself for high level managers, and gain networking opportunities in the field of medical device. Last but not least, get an overview of the current pharmaceutical field and the market of advanced drug delivery devices.

Problem statement for this project

SHL Medical seeks to expand the current market insight based on the outlook for possible novel injectable pharmaceuticals for the next few years. Any risks associated with handling and potential exposure to the pharmaceutical substances need to be identified, assessed, and if deemed necessary, properly mitigated before any laboratory work can begin.

• Create an overview of novel injectable pharmaceutical substances foreseen to be placed on the market
• Search for external guidelines on how to handle these substances, potentially grouped by substance type, within a laboratory setting from an employee risk perspective. Potential risks need to be identified and assessed. Possible mitigations may be suggested. Summarize and create internal guidelines for SHL Medical. Present the conclusions, possibly for the global test network within SHL Medical.
• Present a summary on indications for the different major categories of pharmaceuticals, how they are used, by which patient group, and what effect they have on the patients.

Scope and expectations for the thesis

1. Literature study: 10-12 weeks

Gain knowledge about requirements for a risk based approach for chemical handling

Investigate foreseen novel substances

Research all globally available handling guidance as well as legal requirements for individual substances or substance groups, compare and conclude.

Introduction to current ways of working in the laboratory

2. Write guideline/guidelines on laboratory handling of the novel pharmaceutical substances: 1-2 weeks
3. Write a presentation on novel pharmaceuticals, aimed at a mechanical engineer audience: 1 week
4. Write a “state of the art” report and present to the stakeholders: 4-6 weeks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master student in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or another relevant field
• Interest in risk management of medicinal substances
• Experience/education in working with chemicals in a laboratory setting is preferred
• Fluency in English is required. Swedish is a plus

We Offer

• Challenging assignments in a fast-growing and innovative industry.
• A multicultural team and modern working environment with state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
• A place where we take pride in the inclusive and collaborative environment we have built - one where a true sense of belonging fosters meaningful exchange and shared growth.
• Various opportunities for personal and professional development within a global organization.
• Flexible hours and hybrid working policy. 

Interested in joining SHL Medical and in supporting us with your expertise and personality? Then we look forward to receiving your application to our Talent Acquisition Department.

For more information on SHL Medical, please visit: shl-medical.com/careers

Please note: We do not accept applications from recruitment agencies for this position.