Biological agents are frequently prescribed in inflammatory diseases. As many biologics are characterized by wide variation in pharmacokinetics between patients, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), i.e. dose based on serum trough concentration, might be an attractive approach to optimize the dose individually thereby achieving optimal clinical efficacy for each patient. The use of TDM for guiding treatment decisions is an evolving field in which clinicians and pharmacologists are actively pursuing to define algorithms to translate drug concentration measurements into evidence-based decisions. In general, this requires knowledge about the pharmacokinetics of the drug, the pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and the relationship between pharmacodynamics and clinical response at various stages of the disease.

Pharmacological modeling can be used to better predict PK at the individual patient level based on patient-specific characteristics. Within this context, we are looking for a post-doc to develop population PK/PD models for biological agents. The aim is that these models can be used to support the clinic in advice on personalized dosing. The post-doc will work within a collaborative interdisciplinary team of pharmacologists, immunologists and clinicians. 

• PhD in biomedical or biopharmaceutical sciences;
• good understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles and mathematical modeling;
• extensive knowledge and experience with modeling and simulation software in the area of PKPD modeling and simulation, including NONMEM;
• interest in applied and translational science;
• good command of written and spoken English;
• ability to work independently as well as being a team player.

Fixed-term contract: temporary position (one year).

• challenging project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic team; 
• temporary position (one years). Extension is dependent on funding;
• exposure to and participation in (inter)national networks with basic, translational and clinical experts; 
• salary and conditions are conform CAO Sanquin;
• 8,33% end-of-year bonus; i.e. a thirteenth month in case of full-year employment;
• partial reimbursement of travel costs;
• pension plan with Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn (PFZW);
• at fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.

Department of Immunopathology

The Immunoglobulin Research group is part of the Department of Immunopathology. We investigate structural and functional properties of antibodies with the aim of understanding their role in immunological processes as well as their therapeutic application. The department comprises 40-45 people (postdocs, PhD-students, undergraduate students and technicians) that all work on related research topics. 

We collaborate closely with the division Diagnostics, which offers a range of assays for immunogenicity testing and therapeutic drug monitoring of monoclonal therapeutics. Furthermore, we collaborate extensively with clinicians and pharmacologists to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of monoclonal antibodies. The current project will be embedded in a collaborative network of PK modelling experts together with the Netherlands Cancer Institute and Reade center for Rheumatology.