researcher in PBPK modelling

Uppsala University hereby declares the following position to be open for application: Researcher in Pharmacokinetic modelling at the Department of Pharmacy, 2009-10-01 t o m 2010-09-31. The research group: The PhD project will be performed in Professor Per Artursson's research group (Drug Delivery). The Drug delivery group is comprised of about 10 researchers of which half are PhD's, performs research of highest international standard and is among the most cited in the world in the fields of pharmacy and pharmacology. The research is founded on in vitro studies of ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicity) properties of drugs. The position is supported by the drug company Roche through the Roche Fellowship Program. The work will be performed in close collaboration with researchers at Roche. Expertise in physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK) and structure-property relationships will contribute to the project. In our research group, we are currently developing models based on differential equations for advanced analysis of cellular pharmacokinetics. The initial position is for one year but may be extended for another two years after completion of the goals for the first year. The project: The overall goal of the project is to develop transparent in silico models for how structural changes in drug molecules influence pharmacokinetic ADMET-properties. The models will be linked to existing PBPK-models in close collaboration with researchers at Roche. The main motive for developing this software is to expand the use of in silico simulations for structure effect relationships (SER) also to chemist for the purpose of i) predict PK data from the molecular structures of new drug candidates, and ii) investigate the impact of structural modifications on such data. Thus, so-called "what-if"-functionalities should be built into the software. Qualifications: The eligible applicant should have a PhD degree or have a corresponding degree. A well developed interest for working in a multidisciplinary environment is an advantage, since the research project will include programming, modeling and experiments. Your educational background should include several of the following competencies: mathematics, statistical analysis, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, chemistry/biochemistry, cell biology and analytical chemistry. A genuine interest in programming is important and experience from or focus on modeling during the PhD/post doc studies is an advantage. A PhD in PK modeling is an excellent background for this project but not a prerequisite. Presently, we use Matlab for software development but you should preferably have experience and/or knowledge about other computer languages as well, such as C++, Java, and web programming. The project is based on collaborations between different disciplines. Excellent social skills, flexibility and ability for seamless collaborations as well as independent work are required. The researcher is expected to perform high quality research, to publish the results, and to contribute to the initiation and development of research collaborations within the research field. He/she is also expected to contribute to related research projects within the research group, to participate actively in seminars and research discussions, take own initiatives and to contribute to the future development of the research program in the research group. The Salary will be according to competence. Salary claim should be included in the application. Further information can be obtained from professor Per Artursson, tel 070-425 08 88 or via email: [email protected]. The application, which should contain a brief description of the research experiences of the applicant, a complete CV, preferred starting date and names and addresses (including email addresses) to three reference persons, should be sent to Uppsala universitet, Registrator, UFV-PA 2009/2111, Box 256, SE-751 05 Uppsala, fax +46 18 471 20 00, no later than 5 October, 2009. Letter of recommendation can be enclosed. If the application is sent by fax, original material should be filed within a week after application deadline. Mats Karlsson, PhD Professor of Pharmacometrics Dept of Pharmaceutical Biosciences Uppsala University Box 591 751 24 Uppsala Sweden phone: +46 18 4714105 fax: +46 18 471 4003