PhD position in Pharmacokinetics

Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) is a well established and highly productive research collaboration between the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, the University of Oxford, and the Wellcome Trust (UK). Our main research interests are the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of infectious diseases which cause illness and deaths throughout this populous region. MORU is looking for two bright, enthusiastic and capable people to join our team. [cid:[email protected]]Scientist (PhD Position in Pharmacokinetics) Background: We are located at the Mahidol-Oxford Research Unit, based at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University in Bangkok. The unit has been conducting research here for 30 years and is recognized as a world leader in tropical medicine research. We are looking for an exceptional science graduates who wish to study for a PhD. The subject is the analysis of data describing drug concentrations in the body during the treatment of infections. This requires advanced statistical modeling and computer simulation. Clinical Pharmacology is essential to ensure optimal dosing with currently available and newly introduced antimalarial drugs. Optimal dosing requires two key questions to be answered: Firstly, what drug exposure (pharmacokinetics) is necessary to ensure the required therapeutic effect (pharmacodynamics)? Secondly, do dosing recommendations need to be modified in important target populations including infants, pregnant women, and those with prevalent co-morbid diseases (especially HIV/AIDS, malnutrition) to ensure the required therapeutic effect in these vulnerable populations? Inadequate drug levels have been repeatedly found in pregnant women and young children. Studies conducted on the Thai-Burma border have clearly shown that pregnancy alters the pharmacokinetics of drugs such as atovaquone, proguanil, artesunate and lumefantrine. These changes in the disposition of the drugs affect the treatment efficacy. It is likely that the impact of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics of some drugs is also related to host genetic factors making it necessary to have some information from each of the 3 continents were studies are being conducted. In order to understand how pregnancy affect the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics for the main antimalarials drugs, the Malaria in Pregnancy (MIP) Consortium has undertaken a series of studies as part of its main trials. These studies are being analysed both with non-compartmental analysis (NCA) and population pharmacokinetic analysis. However, individual pharmacokinetic studies are almost often underpowered for describing the factors that influence antimalarial pharmacokinetic parameters. It would therefore be advantageous to combine data from all studies to properly describe the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship. The main limitation in pooling individual patient data from multiple studies is the variability in assay and analysis methodology between studies. Another constraint is if different biological matrices (e.g. venous plasma or whole blood) are used for different studies. This complicates the comparison of results from different studies, pooling of data and meta-analysis of results. The main goal of this project is to characterize this through modeling and thereby allowing pooling of large series of data for population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses. You do not need to have any previous experience in biological sciences (although some would be helpful). This work would be suitable for top graduates in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry or allied sciences. You do need experience of data analysis and a good knowledge of statistics and/or mathematics. This is an unusual opportunity for a top graduate to train and work with a world-leading research group in a lively and stimulating academic environment in a subject of growing importance in pharmaceutical science. You will be registered for a PhD at the University of Oxford. A stipend for living expenses and housing will be provided and all University fees supported. Qualification: You need to have a European citizenship with either a Masters' degree in pharmacy, physics, engineering, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, or related subject or a BSc with GPA >3.0. Please apply in writing, stating qualifications and experience to Dr. Niklas Lindegardh at MORU, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University E-mail: [email protected] Applications close on 1 March 2010 __________________________________ Best wishes Joel Tarning, Ph.D Senior Pharmacokineticist Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Chalermprakiat Building, 8th Fl, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd Bangkok 10400, THAILAND Tel: 66 (0) 2 203 6369 Fax: 66 (0) 2 354 6018 Cell: 66 (0) 81 489 1918 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> http://www.tropmedres.ac [cid:[email protected]] <<inline: image001.png>> <<inline: image002.gif>>