2 PhD positions at Leiden University

The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is part of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. LACDR is a leading institute dedicated to world-class research and education in drug discovery and development. Our aim is to advance the discovery of the medicines of the future through cutting-edge research and training of bio-pharmaceutical scientists. LACDR comprises a diverse and international team of approximately 150 researchers and is ideally located at the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest life science cluster in The Netherlands. The LACDR Cluster of Systems Pharmacology, a joint effort of the Divisions of Pharmacology and of Analytical Biosciences, wishes to appoint PhD students for the following projects: SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY-BASED TRANSLATION OF DRUG PHARMACOKINETICS FROM ZEBRAFISH TO HUMANS (1.0 fte) Vacancy number 15-109 Zebrafish larvae are increasingly used for translating findings from in vitro based assays to vertebrate species, including humans, regarding both drug efficacy and drug safety. However, our knowledge on drug pharmacokinetics and drug exposure in this species is limited. This PhD-project will focus on quantifying drug metabolism and elimination through various pathways in the zebrafish larvae and investigating the extrapolation potential of these findings across pre-clinical vertebrate species and humans. You will be performing exposure experiments in the zebrafish larvae and analyze drug and metabolite concentrations using advanced and sensitive bioanalytical methods and subsequently analyze the data you obtained with non-linear mixed effects modeling. This work will be performed in close collaboration with the Institute of Biology (IBL) at Leiden University. SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY OF HUMAN NEUROENDOCRINE DISEASE ENTITIES Vacancy number 15-110 The focus of this project is to gain a better understanding on the complex interaction between the brain and diverse endocrine systems. Systems pharmacology may offer possibilities to gain more insight in this complex interaction. The focus of research project will be to study the relationship in health (physiology) and disease (pathophysiology) with the aim to develop models that can be used to optimize treatment of patients. You will be involved in preclinical and clinical data collection and development of system pharmacology models. This work will be performed in close collaboration with the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) in Leiden. Your profile We are looking for highly motivated researchers with a master degree in biopharmaceutical, biomedical or bioengineering sciences. A strong affinity with quantitative approaches (modeling and simulation, data analysis, informatics, biostatistics) is essential. Experience with advanced mechanistic pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling is highly desirable. You should have a strong interest in biology-driven drug research and be able to work and communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary team. We offer We offer a vibrant environment to develop on-the-job the skills and networks that a successful academic needs. Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), for a period of one year with an extension of three years after positive evaluation of capabilities and compatibility. Ultimately the appointment must lead to a completion of a PhD thesis. The gross monthly salary is set on € 2.125,- in the first year up to € 2.717,- in year four. An appointment with Leiden University includes a pension build-up and facilitates other benefits such as an annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%. All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl . Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training, and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school. Further information For more information on vacancy 15-109 please contact Dr Elke Krekels ([email protected]). For more information on vacancy 15-110 please contact Professor Dr Koos Burggraaf ([email protected]). Additionally, you can visit the websites of the Faculty of Science: www.science.leidenuniv.nl, the LACDR (www.lacdr.nl), or CHDR (www.chdr.nl). More information about employment at Leiden University can be found via: www.leiden.edu . Applications Do you identify with the profile above and do you aspire to have a career in pharmaceutical research? Please apply by sending your written application before April 21st 2015, using the vacancy number, including full Curriculum Vitae, transcripts or copies of your diplomas, and the names and contact details of two references to the attention of Professor dr Piet H. van der Graaf ([email protected]) ~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~ Dr. Elke H.J. Krekels Assistant Professor Division of Pharmacology Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research / Leiden University Visiting address: Gorleaus Laboratories, Room 815 Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, The Netherlands Postal address: PO Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)71 527 4505