PhD Position in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (University College London, UK)

Project title: Characterisation of PKPD relationships and dose rationale for anti-infective drugs for neglected tropical diseases. Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that affect an estimated one billion people in the world. Current treatments for most NTDs are suboptimal and new drugs are critically needed to reduce disease burden. While pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic concepts and advanced quantitative clinical pharmacology principles have been integrated into the clinical development of compounds across many therapeutic areas, human dose prediction and early clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of candidate molecules for NTDs remains empirical. Innovative approaches are required to enable effective translation of nonclinical data, providing insight into the selection of rational combinations and optimised clinical trial designs. A PhD position in translational pharmacology is available at the Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group. The primary objective of the research will be to establish the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) properties of drug candidates progressing into clinical development. Different approaches will be evaluated for 1) the systematic translation of pharmacokinetic and PKPD concepts from in vitro and in vivo systems to humans and 2) the optimisation of clinical study protocols for the evaluation of efficacy in tuberculosis, malaria, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis. Required skills: In addition to enthusiasm, motivation and independent thinking, candidates must have working knowledge of pharmacokinetic-/pharmacodynamic modelling, including some advanced statistical principles (nonlinear mixed effects modelling, Bayesian statistics, clinical trial simulations). Basic programming skills in R language, RStudio and NONMEM are essential. Willingness to learn and integrate knowledge from across different therapeutic areas. Behavioural attributes such as teamwork, accurate listening, strategic thinking, along with good oral and written English language skills will be critical for the successful implementation of the project. Candidates with a background in Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or Bioengineering are encouraged to apply. Further information and applications can be submitted by email to Prof O Della Pasqua (o.dellapasqua_at_ucl.ac.uk<mailto:o.dellapasqua_at_ucl.ac.uk>). Deadline for applications: 15th January 2018. Kind regards, Salvatore D'Agate Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics School of Life and Medical Sciences University College London E-mail: s.d'agate_at_ucl.ac.uk