Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d)

We are an interdisciplinary, international, research group applying high scientific standards and innovative methodologies with the ultimate aim to foster the rational use of medicines while empowering young scientists to perform clinically relevant research (http://www.clinical-pharmacy.eu/). Our group is affiliated with Freie Universitaet Berlin and situated in an unique metropole that offers many exiting experiences.

Our research area, pharmacometrics and systems biology, is situated within a transdisciplinary field and combines experimental and theoretical concepts. Our research is based on two research pillars: (1) Bioanalysis, microdialysis, cell culture, and (2) Pharmacometric (data) analysis. As a key feature, we constantly bridge these two pillars. Our pharmacometric projects are based on in vitro and/or in vivo data obtained by experimental research, while innovative dynamic in vitro systems utilise modelling and simulation approaches for optimising experimental design. In addition, many of our projects are realised as parts of clinical studies. Typically, our research is collaborative and embedded in consortia at a national and international level (EU, global).

Project summary

As part of its second Grand Challenge Initiative, the Berlin University Alliance is tackling the topic of global health. Global health combines research and practice aiming to improve the health of all people worldwide. The goal is to eliminate the existing inequalities in society so that all people can lead healthy lives. Questions and challenges in the field of global health concern not only the health sciences but also a large number of other research areas such as law, environmental science, the natural and social sciences, as well as politics, religion, philosophy, material science, engineering, and communication studies. With this in mind, the researchers of the Alliance partners who are involved in the Grand Challenge Initiative on Global Health are adopting an interdisciplinary approach to investigate cross-cutting themes.

GlobalResist is one out of the four funded projects and aims to forecast antibiotic resistance evolution as a novel approach to address a major issue in global health. Development of resistance to antimicrobial agents is one of the major challenges in the fight against infectious diseases. GlobalResist is developing a wide-ranging approach to predicting antibiotic resistance evolution that intricately links different disciplines. The aim is to enable the assessment of risks of patients developing resistance before use in the future, so that resistance issues can ideally be avoided, and antibiotics can be used more sustainably.

The GlobalResist project consortium involves the following Berlin University Alliance partners: Freie Universität Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin

Vacancy and application

We are looking for a full-time postdoctoral fellow in the field of forecasting antibiotic resistance evolution by applying innovative translational modelling and simulation techniques and/or in vitro infection models to join our research group for a period of 2 years. To be eligible for the positions, a PhD degree or equivalent is needed, as well as a strong record in the research area of pharmacometric and/or in vitro infection models and their data analysis. Additionally, experience in either (i) evaluating pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic or systems pharmacology data and pharmacometric analysis with NONMEM, R or similar pharmacometric software, (ii) Bayesian analysis using STAN or similar platforms, and bioinformatics, or (iii) one of our experimental platforms (LC/MS-MS, microdialysis, bacterial infection models, in vitro metabolism) is required. The position also offers supervision of PhD and Master/Diploma students.

Applications in English should include a letter of motivation along with a description of research interests and relevant qualifications for the position. In addition, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications and names/email addresses of 2-3 referees should be provided. Please submit your application before the 24^th of April 2023 to:
charlotte.kloft@fu­-berlin.de and linda.aulin@fu-berlin.de

You can find the vacancy post here: https://www.fu-berlin.de/universitaet/beruf-karriere/jobs/english/BC-GlobalResist-2023_engl.html

 

Job profile

• Contribution to the Berlin University Alliance project “GlobalResist” (Consortium of seven different partners from three different institutions)
• Performance and publication of research projects in pharmacometric and translational modelling
• Contribution to conception and realisation of new research ideas and collaborations
• General services in research (co-supervision of junior members; IT/Cluster contact) and research organisation

Qualification profile

Requirements:

• Graduation in Pharmaceutical or Life sciences or related field
• Qualified PhD thesis in pharmacometrics, systems pharmacology, or infection models, preferentially PK/PD modelling of antimicrobials or antimicrobial resistance evolution

Assets:

1. Profound knowledge in pharmacometrics software: e.g. NONMEM/PsN, Berkeley-Madonna, Monolix, nlmxR or similar or
2. Good knowledge in the software programs R, PKSim, STAN, Pirana or similar or
3. Profound experience with or interest for in vitro work such as bacterial infection models
4. In-depth experience in organisation and performance of research projects and in scientific publication in the area of pharmacometrics
5. High intrinsic motivation/high level of commitment
6. Excellent team player
7. Strong verbal/written communication skills
8. Language skills: English excellent