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]