Title of the PhD project:
Development of a PBPK model to quantitatively describe absorption and
bioavailability after subcutaneous administration of therapeutical biologics
At Sanofi, we currently have an opening for a talented and innovative PhD
student to join our physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) project
realized in collaboration with the consulting company Pharmetheus (
www.pharmetheus.com) and the COMPO group ( https://team.inria.fr/compo/) in
Aix Marseille University. This setting will allow the student to gain
experience in PBPK modelling within pharma industry, consulting, and
academia.
Description:
New modalities of drugs, like therapeutic proteins and monoclonal
antibodies (mAbs), have changed the paradigm in the treatment landscape of
many therapeutic areas/diseases like immuno-oncology and
immuno-inflammation. Subcutaneous administration is increasingly becoming a
more flexible and patient-friendly option for the administration of such
treatment options. The integration of this administration route in a PBPK
modeling framework is crucial, in order to access the full potential of
this modeling technique and to optimize the subcutaneous administration of
mAbs. The objective of this project is to extend the PBPK model available
in the open-source platform Open Systems Pharmacology (OSP) Suite in order
to integrate the subcutaneous administration of therapeutical proteins,
with particular focus on mAbs. The model will be developed and qualified
for different mAbs format, such as nanobodies and bi-specific mAbs.
Location and duration
With the PhD project been conducted in collaboration with Pharmetheus, and
Aix Marseille University, the student is expected to spent part of the PhD
duration in the three different partner locations: i) at Sanofi, within the
Translational Medicine & Early Development department located at our
research and development site in Chilly-Mazarin, France (near Paris), ii)
at Pharmetheus, primarily the main site situated in the vibrant student
town of Uppsala, Sweden (near Stockholm) and/or at the new office planned
to open in Paris (Montparnasse), and iii) at the School of Pharmacy of
Marseille, within the COMPO group. The time spent within each site will be
defined and agreed together with the candidate.
Skills
- Master or equivalent degree in Pharmaceutical sciences, Mathematics,
Statistics, Engineering or similar disciplines with demonstrated expertise
in modelling and simulation
- Previous training or experience with PK-Sim and R are an asset
- Good understanding of physiology and in vitro readouts related to
pharmacokinetic processes
- Ability to conduct deep bibliographic searches
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- Knowledge of French language is an advantage but not a requirement
Compensation
The student will receive a market-level salary for PhD students, as well as
social benefits including paid vacations days. Accommodation and living
costs are the responsibility of the candidate.
To apply, please contact [email protected]