PhD student in Pharmaceutical science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences has 125 employees as well as a number of guest researchers and fellows. The department has ten research groups / research areas with a joint administration and we conduct research and teaching in pharmaceutical cell biology and biotechnology, biochemistry, immunology, biological drugs / biotechnology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical and drug addiction , pharmacognosy, galenic pharmacy, bioinformatics, imaging mass spectrometry, molecular neuropharmacology,  as well as toxicology and drug safety. More information about the department and its activities can be found at www.farmbio.uu.se.

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Duties
PROTACs are a new and very promising type of drug that binds to and degrades specific intracellular signaling proteins by activating the body's own selective degradation system. The technology allows new target proteins to be reached with high specificity while avoiding the development of resistance in cancer treatment. In the pharmaceutical industry, there is currently a strong interest in developing this therapeutic strategy for a number of indications. However, the molecular properties of PROTACs and in vitro cell permeability data often suggest that they will have low oral absorption and bioavailability, which is not always reflected in vivo, with reports suggesting that absorption and disposition are more extensive. In order to enable effective research and development of this group of substances, it is therefore of utmost importance to understand the relationship between absorption and disposition in vitro versus in vivo.

The doctoral student will evaluate and develop predictive in vitro models to measure the intestinal absorption and disposition of PROTACs. This includes studies of all relevant biopharmaceutical parameters, such as solubility, membrane permeability, major routes of uptake and excretion, metabolism, degradation and binding. The results from the in vitro studies will be validated in whole animals, such as rats and mice. In addition, the mechanism and effect of new nano-formulations on the absorption of PROTACs will be evaluated in animals. The work will be carried out by the doctoral student in collaboration with several research groups at BMC, Uppsala University and with AbbVie pharmaceuticals, Chicago, US.

Requirements 
Suitable background is a basic degree in pharmacy, drug development or other similar education (at least 240 credits) including courses in analytical chemistry and biopharmaceutics, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level in a subject relevant to the doctoral program. We assign great importance to personal suitability. We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in research. Enthusiasm, drive and an ability to work both independently as well as in collaboration are necessary. Applicants must be able to express themselves well in English, both orally and in writing.

The applicant should have experience working with absorption and metabolism models in vitro, animal experiments, bioanalysis and scientific writing.

Information about research-level education, eligibility requirements, and admission regulations can be found at http://www2.medfarm.uu.se/utbildning/forskarniva/.

Applicants will be ranked by the supervisor in consultation with the Department Research Education group. The Committee for Research Education at the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine-Pharmacy will admit the PhD student. Salaries will follow local guidelines at Uppsala University.

Rules governing PhD candidates 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

The holders of PhD student position primarily devote their time to own research-level education. Other duties at the Department involving teaching and administrative tasks maybe included in the framework of the position (max 20%). The PhD program normally lasts for 4 years research, plus maximally one year of teaching.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2022-02-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala, Sweden.

For further information about the position, please contact: Researcher David Dahlgren, e-mail David.Dahlgren@farmbio.uu.se or administrative manager Marina Rönngren e-mail Marina.Ronngren@farmbio.uu.se.

Please submit your application by January 20th, 2022, UFV-PA 2021/5034.

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