PhD student in Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics modelling - Oncology

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. IFF 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 competences 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 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: Biologics, Pharmacometrics • Pharmacodynamics • Pharmacokinetics • Biologics • Clinical Pharmacy • Drug Delivery • Molecular Pharmaceutics • Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology • Pharmacoeconomics • Pharmacoepidemiology • Pharmacotherapy • Social Pharmacy

More information Pharmacy

Project: Quantification of biomarker dynamics to understand therapy outcomes in childhood cancer

The overarching aim of the project is to optimize treatment for children with cancer by improving the understanding of the relationship between dosing regimens, biomarkers and outcomes. For this, knowledge of how treatment-related biomarker dynamics relate to long-term adverse effects, recurrence and survival is key. For example, the relationships between peg-asparaginase dose, asparaginase activity, biomarkers and toxicities in leukaemia treatment remain unclear, and appear to depend on the overall treatment protocol. For glioma, biomarkers are being collected but their interplay and relationships to clinical factors and outcomes need to be better understood to provide clinical guidance. This PhD project aims to quantify pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships between treatment, biomarkers, toxicities and clinical outcomes in childhood cancers. Data on a wide range of biomarkers are available for this purpose. Pharmacometric models will be built and applied to explore various dosing strategie and sampling designs for individualized treatment.

Requirements:

A suitable background includes a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, biomedicine, or medicine, an engineering degree specializing in pharmaceuticals (at least 240 ECTS credits), or a master's degree in pharmaceutical modeling or drug development, including courses in pharmacokinetics, physiology, pharmacology, modeling, and programming (e.g., in R).

Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability, motivation, and experience in research related to pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic characterization, dose optimization, and pharmacometrics. Experience in research on cancer therapies or treatments for children is valuable. Applicants should have strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written. Additionally, they should possess good teamwork skills and demonstrated ability to conduct a scientific project in a structured and methodical manner.

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 September 2025 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

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

Please submit your application by 16 June 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1729.

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