PhD position in Pharmacometrics/Translational Pharmacology

Do you want to make a difference as a translational researcher and contribute to addressing a major challenge in global health? Do you want to be part of a vibrant team in an international, multidisciplinary environment ? Background: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death by an infectious disease worldwide. Standard tuberculosis treatment is based on a combination regimen of four drugs that were all developed more than 60 years ago. Treatment lasts for at least six months and, in the case of resistance to the standard drugs, can be as long as two years. The current drugs are inefficient by today's standards and a new, faster-acting and safer treatment is required to reduce the length of therapy and to overcome the threat of drug-resistant strains. To achieve this goal, it is essential to characterise the interplay between the immune system and drug-induced antibacterial activity. In addition, innovative approaches are required that enable effective translation of nonclinical data, providing insight into the selection of rational drug combinations prior to the clinical evaluation in patients. A PhD fellowship position in pharmacometrics/translational clinical pharmacology is available to support the activities of an ambitious consortium including European and global organisations responsible for the development and evaluation of novel candidate molecules for the treatment of tuberculosis. The primary objective of the research programme will be to establish the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) properties of drug candidates progressing into clinical development. Model-informed approaches will be applied to ensure 1) integration and parameterisation of immune system components with drug response 2) optimisation of study protocols in early clinical development and, 3) dose selection and prediction of early bactericidal activity and clinical cure for drug combinations Required skills: In addition to enthusiasm, motivation and independent thinking, candidates must have working knowledge of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation, including prior experience with advanced statistical principles (nonlinear mixed effects modelling, Bayesian statistics, clinical trial simulations). Strong 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 very good oral and written English language skills will be critical for the successful implementation of the project. Candidates with a degree in Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or Bioengineering are encouraged to apply, especially those with a MSc/MRes thesis or equivalent research experience in PKPD modelling and simulation. The successful candidates will be co-located with the modelling team at the CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) in Rome, Italy. Applicants for the PhD fellowship should be UK, EEA or EU member state nationals. Further details on the application procedures can be obtained by email. Please contact Prof O. Della Pasqua ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>), including a short CV. Deadline for applications: 23rd February 2020. Kind regards, Salvatore D'Agate Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics School of Life and Medical Sciences University College London E-mail: s.d'[email protected]