PhD student in drug delivery - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Pharmacy offers a stimulating multidisciplinary working environment in research and teaching within the Pharmacy disciplines. The Department centers its research on Drug Delivery, Rational Drug Usage and Pharmaceutical Materials Science. The research is developed by a series of research groups, several of international prominence. The research groups represent a unique cluster of academic competences in Sweden and the Department of Pharmacy has thus a key role in the development of the pharmacy discipline in Sweden. Information about the department and the research groups can be found at www.farmfak.uu.se/farm/.

Duties: Research training, teaching

Project description: The use of transient permeability enhancers (TPE) to increase small intestinal delivery of biological drugs has regained in interest with a number of fatty acid-based excipients currently being explored. Recent studies in rats of the classical TPE caprate pointed towards no increase in permeability of low permeability, small molecules at low, but still clinically relevant dosing. However, studies of biological molecules where high concentration of free fatty acid is released simultaneously with the biological drug have shown the opposite and another recent study of semaglutide absorption showed increased bioavailability in dogs and humans. The absorption was believed to mainly take place in the stomach, a physiological compartment typically not regarded as playing a significant role for drug absorption. Clearly, further studies are needed to understand the intricate interplay between drug, excipient and the physiological conditions and the impact on macromolecular permeability and absorption. The purpose is to mechanistically understand the concentration dependence and the role of co-localisation of the TPE and the biological drug on the resulting absorption. Specific aims are i) to develop diffusion models of excipients and biological drugs in human intestinal fluids based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD); ii) to develop diffusion models through small intestinal mucus using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD); iii) to combine the CFD and DPD model with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of drug and TPE cell permeation to achieve a system model of drug release in and absorption from the small intestine; and iv) to validate the computational models with proof-of-concept study in vivo.

Requirements: Academic master of science degree in a relevant field, such as Molecular Biotechnology Engineering or Chemical Engineering.   

Additional qualifications: Previous programming knowledge (e.g. python, C) is an advantage, as is knowledge of computational chemistry/physics and linux computer environments. The ideal candidate also has experience of numerical and mathematical modeling, and experimental techniques.

Applications should contain a letter describing yourself and your qualifications. The application should also contain a CV, an transcript of academic merits (including grades), a copy of a master thesis or similar, and contact information to at least two references.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.
 
Starting date: 01-01-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Per Larsson +46 (0)18 471 53 96, per.larsson@farmaci.uu.se. Christel Bergström +46 (0)18 41 18, christel.bergstrom@farmaci.uu.se. 

Please submit your application by 29 November 2019, UFV-PA 2019/3837.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.