PhD candidate in Quantitative Pharmacology of Antimicrobial Combination Therapies

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a:

PhD candidate in Quantitative Pharmacology of Antimicrobial Combination Therapies (1.0 fte)
Vacancy number: 15471

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 field of quantitative antimicrobial pharmacology and pharmacometrics with a primary focus on design of innovative antimicrobial combination therapies.

Project description
Antimicrobial combinations are essential for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and treating complex infections. However, selecting the right combinations and optimizing their dosing schedules to maximise efficacy and minimise the risk for AMR selection is challenging and requires extensive preclinical development. To streamline this process, there is an urgent need for standardised methodologies that integrate experimental assays and computational models. This PhD project, funded by JPIAMR, aims to develop a toolbox of experimental and pharmacometric approaches to improve the design and evaluation of antibiotic combination treatments.

We are seeking a PhD candidate with affinity to and experience in quantitative pharmacological modelling. In addition to developing pharmacometric models, the candidate would also contribute to the design and execution of complementary in vitro experiments, which will support the model development. This project will be conducted in close collaboration with academic partners at the University of Hamburg, the University of Poitiers, the University of Copenhagen, and University College London.

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’s and Master’s programs of Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences and/or Pharmacy;
• Follow PhD courses based on an individual training and supervision plan.

Profile

• A Master’s degree in a (bio-)pharmaceutical, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, or (quantitative) biology, or a similar master’s degree.
• Knowledge of PK/PD and (clinical) pharmacology
• Prior knowledge of infectious diseases, microbiology and antimicrobial pharmacology is desirable
• Hands-on experience with PK/PD modelling and/or mechanistic computational biological modelling
• Hands-on experience with using scientific scripting languages (R, Python)
• Hands-on laboratory experience, preferably in microbiological assays, or a strong interest to develop this experience during the PhD project
• Creative/out-of-the box thinker
• Full proficiency in English (provide an IELTS/TOEFL score if available)
• Strong communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Interested in participating in educational tasks

Research at our faculty
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.

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 € 2.901,- per month in the first year to € 3.707,- 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.

More information
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Coen van Hasselt (coen.vanhasselt@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl) or Dr. Linda Aulin (l.b.s.aulin@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Ms. Mingmin Gong (m.gong@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 additional documents (in pdf format) quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter (maximum one page), explaining how your experience and interests match with this PhD project.
• Contact information of at least three potential references, including your previous supervisor(s)

Only applications received before 14 March 2025 can be considered.

38 hours per week

Rapenburg 70