PhD candidate in pharmacometrics and systems pharmacology for viral dynamic modelling

We are looking for an ambitious PhD candidate to join our division Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LACDR at Leiden University. The successful PhD applicant will perform innovative research in the fields of pharmacometrics and systems pharmacology, with a primary focus on viral dynamic modelling.

Project description

Viruses significantly impact human health and exhibit a multifaceted nature in their interactions with human. While they are responsible for severe diseases that can pose threats to global health, they also possess promising potentials for therapeutic applications, as evidenced by treatments like virotherapy. Bacteriophages, for instance, combat bacterial infections by infecting and killing specific bacteria, while oncolytic viruses present innovative approaches to cancer treatment. A comprehensive understanding of viral dynamics is essential for effectively managing viruses. Mathematical modelling approaches allow us to study and predict virus behaviour by combining experimental/clinical data with mathematical models. Such models can quantitatively describe the virus-host interaction relationships which can be used to inform improving our strategies to combat viral diseases as well as harness the beneficial aspects of viruses.

The PhD candidate will work on developing (semi-)mechanistic mathematical models such as quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models and/or physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, to enhance our understanding of viral dynamics in biological systems. Both experimental data and clinical data will be utilized to support the model development to derive optimal treatment strategies for antivirals and oncolytic and bacteriophage virotherapies.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct original, novel, and collaborative research in the framework of the project and complete your PhD thesis within 4 years;
• Publish scientific articles at 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

• A Master’s degree in a (bio-) pharmaceutical/medical sciences, mathematics/statistics, or a related field with a strong quantitative focus
• Prior experience with PK/PD, QSP, and/or PBPK modelling, or mechanistic biological modelling
• Prior experience with at least one computational language such as R, Julia, Matlab, or Python
• Full proficiency in English (provide an IELTS/TOEFL score if available)
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Interested in participating in educational tasks

Qualities we also appreciate

• Experience in microbiology, viral biology, and biomedical experimental work
• Expertise in Bayesian statistics
• Expertise in machine learning/artificial intelligence

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 for 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 spouses we have set up 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
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. LACDR is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We stand for excellence in a caring Institute. 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.

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, one of Europe's biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.