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]]
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