PhD student in Molecular Pharmaceutics

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. The department has approximately 150 employees and a revenue of nearly 160 million SEK. 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 competencies are computational modelling and simulations, PKPD, in vitro ADME models, advanced in vivo methods, development of biological medicines, 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 competencies within pharmaceutical science, playing a key role in shaping the future of pharmacy in both Sweden and globally.

Duties:
In this project advanced small scale models (micro- to millilitre scale) of the gastrointestinal tract will be devekoped with the aim to establish methods and technologies that enable absorption profiling of orally administered drugs. A number of starting points have been established in previous 3R directed projects. These are based on microfluidics, 3D printed prototypes for automated assays and technologies where several processes are measured simultaneously to better estimate absorption. In the latter, processes related to dissolution, release, digestion and permeation are explored. The PhD student will develop new methods and make use of these to study drug delivery, diagnostics and theranostics. The project will include to  i) develop systems with physiologically relevant surface area to volume ratio and hydrodynamics for the respective gastrointestinal tract where an artificial membrane is used to mimic the epithelium;  ii) establish similar systems using humanized cells to better represent the epithelium of each segment also considering expression of transporters and mucus secretion; and iii) include the microbiome in the segment mimicking colon. The obtained data will be used for in silico modelling and the systems will be validated with formulations and diagnostic tools where human in vivo data are available.

The holder of a doctoral position should primarily focus on their research studies. Other tasks at the department, such as administration and teaching, may be included to a level not exceeding 20% of the working time.

Requirements:
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in pharmaceutical sciences, bioengineering or chemistry or a related discipline,
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

We place great importance on personal suitability as well as motivation and the ability to independently conduct research studies. Previous experience in modeling and simulation, machine learning/AI, high-performance computing, and programming is valuable. Applicants should be able to express themselves well, both orally and in writing, in English. Furthermore, the applicant should have good collaborative skills and demonstrated ability to conduct a scientific project in a structured and methodical manner.

Additional qualifications:
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 2024-10-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Christel Bergström + 018 – 471 4118 + christel.bergstrom@farmaci.uu.se

Please submit your application by 15 August 2024, UFV-PA 2024/2519.

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