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

The Department of Pharmacy offers 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 in vitro ADME models, enabling formulations, advanced in vivo methods, computational modelling and simulations, 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: Molecular Pharmaceutics • Drug Delivery • Pharmaceutical nanotechnology • Pharmacokinetics • Pharmacodynamics • Pharmacometrics • Clinical Pharmacy • Pharmacoeconomics • Pharmacoepidemiology • Pharmacotherapy • Social Pharmacy.

More information at Farmaci

SciLifeLab (Scilifelab) is a Swedish national center for molecular biosciences with focus on health and environmental research. The center combines frontline technical expertise with advanced knowledge of translational medicine and molecular bioscience. SciLifeLab is hosted by four Swedish universities (Uppsala University, Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University) and collaborates with several other universities. 

The research group
The PhD student will be linked to the research group Molecular Pharmaceutics. The group takes a multidisciplinary approach and combines computational chemistry and bioinformatics with cell- and molecular biology, biopharmaceutics, pharmaceutics and physical chemistry to find new ways to predict and define rate-limiting barriers to the absorption and organ distribution of different types of drugs. We anticipate that our research will provide insights into new mechanisms for drug absorption, disposition and delivery, which will support development of new therapeutic strategies for efficient oral drug delivery. More information at Bergström. The position is placed in the research group of Alexandra Teleki (Teleki) who is associated with SciLifeLab. The overall goal of the Teleki research group is to transform innovative nanomedical approaches to clinically relevant, patient-compliant diagnosis and treatment.

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

The project
The PhD student will work in the area of vaginal drug delivery systems with the aim to develop a long-acting, mucus-penetrating drug delivery device for local application in the vagina to provide simple and efficacious treatment women’s diseases, such as vaginal infections or endometriosis. The drug delivery system will be based on emulsions and liposomes. These formulations will be loaded into the tip of microneedles or as drug depots in intravaginal rings. The project will use relevant in vitro and ex vivo vaginal models to study the mucus-penetrating properties of the microneedles and the drug release. 

Focus areas of the position: Drug delivery systems • Microneedles • Vaginal drug delivery.

Qualifications
Applications from highly motivated candidates are welcome. The successful candidate should have a Master of Science in Pharmaceutics, Drug Discovery and Development, Chemical/biochemical engineering, Biomedicine, Biotechnology or similarly relevant field, and have good communication skills in oral and written English. Previous experience of any of the core subjects are meritorious.

How to apply
The application, preferably written in English, is submitted through the application portal of Uppsala University and should contain

• a letter in which the applicant describes her- or himself, motivates why she/he has applied for the position and states relevant qualifications.
• a CV including at least two references (phone number and email), and
• copies of relevant certificates, degrees and grades.

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 March 2023 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Associate Professor Alexandra Teleki, tel 018-471 4745, e-post alexandra.teleki@scilifelab.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 9 February 2023, UFV-PA 2023/169.

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