PhD student in the area of Pharmacometrics - Global health - 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 a 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 include:
Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics • Pharmacometrics • Drug Delivery • Molecular Pharmaceutics • Biological Drugs • Pharmacoepidemiology • Social Pharmacy

 More information www.farmaci.uu.se

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Duties
A doctoral position with a focus on the optimization of antiparasitic therapy for leishmaniasis is available in the research area of ​​pharmacometrics, within the theme global health and neglected tropical diseases, at the Department of Pharmacy.

The overall aim is to develop precision medicine tools to improve the treatment of neglected tropical diseases such as the parasitic disease leishmaniasis. Within the project, model-based methods will be developed to optimize and individualize current and future oral combination therapies for the parasitic disease leishmaniasis, adapted to the largely pediatric patient population. Innovative sets of biomarkers to monitor treatment response will be identified to enable more effective personalized therapy of neglected tropical parasitic diseases.

The project involves data-driven pharmacometric modelling and simulation techniques in combination with systems pharmacology, machine learning, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data collected in clinical trials. The precision medicine tools developed in this project will lead to shorter and more effective oral dosing regimens for parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis and provide new ways to identify patients at risk for relapse of disease.

Requirements
The applicant should have an MSc degree in a relevant area, such as pharmaceuticalsciences, medicine or 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 and NONMEM).

We place great emphasis on personal suitability, high motivation on and a genuine interest for research in the field of pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics, pharmacometrics, and global health. Proven experience in the use of pharmacokinetic modelling software such as NONMEM is essential. Experience of research in clinical trials and global health is a merit. The applicant is expected to have excellent skills in oral and written English. The applicant should also have good collaboration skills and demonstrated capability to conduct a scientific project in a structured and methodological manner since the project involves interaction between different research groups 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. Salaries will follow local guidelines at Uppsala University. Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines. 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, global health

(ii) the candidate’s CV

(iii) copies of diplomas and certificates

(iv) two recommendation letters (where at least one preferably would be from a supervisor of the Master thesis)

(v) thesis, as well as other relevant documents that the applicant wish to refer to, such as proficiency in English.

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 Thomas Dorlo, thomas.dorlo@farmaci.uu.se .

For questions around the employment, please contact administrative coordinator Pernilla Larsson pernilla.larsson@farmaci.uu.se .

Please submit your application by 22 February 2023, UFV-PA 2023/177.

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