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

The Department of Pharmacy at Uppsala University is an interdisciplinary environment at the center of the pharmaceutical arena. With frontline research, first-class education and extensive collaborations we constitute a driving force in the development of our academic field. In this inspiring environment our rich diversity of research groups develop and conduct work of great scientific importance. Among our core competences are pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics, in vitro ADME models, advanced in vivo methods and societal aspects from optimizing the use of drugs in individuals to societal pharmaceutical policies. For more information go to: www.farmaci.uu.se

Our scientific focus areas are in selection:

Biological drugs •Drug Delivery • Molecular Pharmaceutics • Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics • Pharmacometrics • Pharmacodepidemiology • Social Pharmacy

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Duties
A doctoral position with a focus on developing methods for the design and analysis of clinical studies for rare diseases is available in the pharmacometrics group at the Department of Pharmacy.

There is a large group (>3500) of rare (<1:2000) and very rare (<1: 50000 ) diseases. Those rare diseases often have a genetic cause and also affect children. Currently, new precision medicines are being developed that can affect the course of those rare diseases. However, clinical trials with adequate methodology to determine efficacy are a bottleneck in the rare disease drug development.

Methods based on the analysis of longitudinal clinical data have the potential to provide more information about drug efficacy in clinical trials than traditional analysis that focuses on data at a particular point in time during the study. This can be used to obtain equivalent information from studies with fewer participants, which is essential when studying rare diseases. A common type of model used in these analyzes is non-linear mixed effects models, where data from an entire study population can be analyzed simultaneously. This model tool can be applied in the analysis of data for rare diseases to increase study power.

This project takes place in collaboration with clinics in Europe that treat patients with rare diseases. In the project, data from clinical trials as well as registry data will be processed and new methods for the design and analysis of data will be developed. Composite score-based test and questions on the patient are often used for the assessment of diseases where objective measures of the degree of the disease are lacking. This is often the case for rare diseases. The development, evaluation and use of this type of measures for the disease severity will be part of the research work.

The holder of a doctoral position must primarily focus on his research studies. Other tasks at the department, for example administration and teaching can be included to a level not exceeding 20% of the working time.

Requirements
Suitable background for the doctoral position is a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, medicine, or engineering with a focus on pharmaceuticals (at least 240 credits). Alternatively, an applicant has Master's education in pharmaceutical modelling, statistics and applied mathematics or pharmaceutical development, including courses in Pharmacokinetics, Physiology, Pharmacology, Modeling and Programming (e.g.,R).

We place great emphasis on personal suitability and motivation on the research in pharmacometrics. Experience with statistical programs such as NONMEM and R is essential. Research experience in clinical trials, registry data or rare diseases is valuable. The applicant must be able to express themselves well, both orally and in writing, in English. Furthermore, the applicant must have good collaborative skill and presentation skill and conduct a scientific project in a structured and methodical manner in the context of international collaboration.

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.

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

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 pharmacometrics, (ii) the candidate’s CV, (iii) copies of diplomas and certificates, (iv) one recommendation letter, and (v) thesis as well as other relevant documents that the applicant wish to refer to.

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 December 2022 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Mats Karlsson, mats.karlsson@farmaci.uu.se

Please submit your application by 28 October 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3619.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.