PhD student in Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic modelling - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Pharmacy at Uppsala University has an interdisciplinary environment at the center of the pharmaceutical arena. With frontline research, first-rate education and extensive collaborations we constitute an important driving force in the development of our academic field. In this inspiring environment our rich diversity of research groups, several of international prominence, develop and conduct work of great scientific importance. Among our core competences are computational modelling and simulations, PKPD, in vitro ADME models, advanced in vivo methods, as well as patient and societal aspects, from optimizing the use of drugs in individuals to societal pharmaceutical policies. Together, we form a unique cluster of academic competences within pharmaceutical science, playing a key role in shaping the future of pharmacy in both Sweden and globally.

Our scientific focus areas in selection
Pharmacokinetics • Pharmacodynamics • Pharmacometrics • Clinical Pharmacy • Drug Delivery • Molecular Pharmaceutics • Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology • Pharmacoeconomics • Pharmacoepidemiology • Pharmacotherapy • Social Pharmacy

More information www.farmaci.uu.se

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Duties
A doctoral position focusing on the characterization of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships for antibiotic therapy is available within the research area of ​​pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics, focusing on antibiotics, at the Department of Pharmacy.

Models that link dosing with antibiotic concentrations and bacterial killing have gained increasing influence to optimize treatment in severe infections. The overall goal of the project is to characterize nanoparticles loaded with antibiotics as precision therapy against bacterial infections in the lower respiratory tract, with the aim of overcoming and/or minimizing the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. The project will involve the application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles, described in in silico models, to develop strategies for optimized treatment of a new type of nanoparticles that can be effectively delivered to the areas of the lung where the bacteria reside.

The project is part of a new research environment and will involve collaboration with expertise in nanoparticle technology, clinical microbiology and infectious disease, as well as organic chemistry. Experimental data from in vitro and in vivo studies will be used to build mathematical and statistical models that can be applied to understand and predict the rate and degree of absorption of the antibacterial substances in different regions of the lung. The local concentration of the substances will be linked to the bactericidal effect. We expect that the project will lead to new knowledge about the biological processes that control the activity of these new types of drug nanocarriers for use against lower respiratory tract infections.

Requirements
The applicant should have an MSc degree in a relevant area, such as pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, engineering with minimum 240 credits or alternatively a Master in pharmaceutical modelling or in Drug development, including courses in pharmacokinetics, physiology, pharmacology, modelling and programming (e.g. in R).

The applicant should be highly motivated and have a genuine interest for research in the

field of pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics, pharmacometrics, and dose optimization. Experience of research in antibiotics and/or nanoparticles is a merit. The applicant is expected to have excellent skills in oral and written English. The applicant should also have good collaboration skills since the project involves interaction between different research groups and demonstrated capability to drive the research project in a structured and methodological way.

Further information about the research-level education, eligibility requirements, and admission regulations can be found at Research training programmes. Applications will be ranked by the supervisors in consultation with the Department Research-level Education group. The committee for Research-level Education at the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and 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 Policies and regulations. 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.

Application
The application should include (i) a motivation letter with a brief description of the candidate and research interests as well as experiences in relation to the requirements and qualifications listed above, and the topics pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacometrics, and antibiotics/nanoparticles, (ii) the candidate's CV, (iii) copies of diplomas and certificates, (iv) two recommendatin letters (where at least one should preferably be from a supervisor to the Master thesis) and (v) thesis, as well as other relevant documents that the applicant wish to refer to, such as proficiency in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 November 2022 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Lena Friberg, lena.friberg@farmaci.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 12 September 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3084.

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