PhD candidate in Statistics and Pharmacometrics

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join our division Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LACDR at Leiden University. The successful PhD applicant will perform innovative research in the field of statistics within pharmacometrics and systems pharmacology.

Project description
The field of pharmacometrics is focused on the development and application of quantitative models to characterize drug effects and disease progression in order to optimize treatment strategies or clinical trial designs. Pharmacometric models involve a combination of mechanism-based mathematical models to describe drug concentrations and effects, and statistical models such as nonlinear mixed effect models to quantify and predict variability between patients. Given the complexity in both clinical data as well as pharmacological mechanisms modelled, the development and implementation of innovative statistical modeling techniques is essential.

Within this project we will investigate and develop innovative statistical techniques in pharmacometrics. We will focus on improved modeling procedures for including patient-specific covariates in models, as well as the modeling of aggregate-level data. The project will involve a combination of theoretical method development and application of (novel) methods to relevant data.

Key responsibilities
During a PhD at our division we expect the preferred candidate to

• conduct original and collaborative research in the framework of the project and complete your PhD thesis within 4 years;
• publish scientific articles in international peer-review journals;
• present at national and international conferences;
• support education activities in the bachelor and master programs of Biopharmaceutical Sciences;
• engage in collaborations between internal and external research groups;
• follow PhD courses based on an individual training and supervision plan.

Selection criteria
The preferred candidate has

• a Master’s degree in (applied) statistics or similar degrees with a focus on statistical and/quantitative techniques, or, a Masters’s degree in biomedical/biopharmaceutical focus with a strong focus on statistical/quantitative techniques;
• knowledge of, or experience in biological, biomedical or pharmaceutical sciences;
• affinity with, or interest in, teaching or supervising students;
• strong communication skills and willingness to collaborate in research;
• prior experience with statistical analysis and methodology, and/or pharmacometric modelling, preferably using a scripting language (e.g., in R, Python, Julia or Matlab);
• the ability to work independently;
• full proficiency in English.

Our organization
Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students and staff. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.

The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended with another three years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 2.770,- per month in the first year to € 3.539,- gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international partners the University offers a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity and work-life balance
We are strongly committed to diversity within our community and we especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. The LACDR is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequent varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with a friendly culture.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Laura B. Zwep (l.b.zwep@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following documents (in pdf format) quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum vitae - highlighting research and teaching related experiences.
• Motivation letter (maximum one page), explaining how your experience and interests match this PhD project.
• Contact information of at least two potential references, preferably including previous supervisor(s)

Only applications received before June 17th 2024 will be considered.