Integrating in vitro dissolution-permeation data with biopharmaceutical models to predict the in vivo performance of drug formulations

InPharma is a MSCA European Industrial Doctorate programme offering a comprehensive training program addressing the challenges of developing emerging drug candidates into new licensed medicines, including innovative modeling and bio-predictive tools tailored to streamline the oral drug product development process.

InPharma brings together global pharmaceutical companies and leading research institutions together as a multi-sectorial team to deliver a unique research and training programme for 13 Early Stage Researchers (ESR) to complete their industrially based PhDs.

Each ESR position in InPharma allows the researcher to work towards a PhD at one of our five leading academic institutions. The ESRs will be recruited within 2021 for a duration of 36 months. Every ESR will work on an independent research project which will be flexible enough to match the competence and goals of the candidate.

Each ESR will spend a minimum of 18 months based in an industrial sector, which will provide experimental learning opportunities working within the Pharmaceutical drug development sector, and complement the research conducted as part of their PhD. The planned secondments are listed below but may change as the individual projects evolve. ESRs will also attend the Network meetings and Training events throughout Europe. A Career Development Plan will be established by the time of recruitment describing the scientific goals and methods, the secondments, any courses to be taken, and the personal, professional and career development and how it shall be achieved.
Requirements
The applicant must:
Have a Master’s degree (or any equivalent diploma) in relevant area (e.g. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, but candidates with strong backgrounds/experience in project-specific scientific fields such as Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics/modelling and/or Biological Sciences may also be considered).

Should be — at the date of recruitment — an ‘early stage researcher (ESR)’, i.e. in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of his/her research career and must not have a PhD doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided.

Satisfy MSCA rules for Trans-national mobility: The applicant should not have resided in the country where the research training activities take place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country.

Have solid written and oral communication skills in English as communication and teaching language throughout InPharma is English. Candidates who are not fluent in English are requested to provide proof of English proficiency (in speaking and writing) (e.g. (typically IELTS min. 7, TOEFL internet-based min. 90 or similar level as proven by other tests).
Applications
The application process is a two-step process. To apply for the position, a candidate must:
1. Fill in the on line expression of interest and eligibility form: https://www.inpharma-network.eu/interest . Candidate may also indicate any preferred PhD topic(s) within the InPharma network.

2. Email a full application to the Recruitment Committee @ [Email Address Removed]. This must include:

i. Letter of motivation outlining why you should be considered for their preferred PhD position(s).

ii. a detailed CV – Europass format obligatory. This should include details such as education, work experience, skills, dissertations, research interests, career objectives, names and contact details of two referees (at last one academic) who are willing to be contacted about your potential suitability for the position, and/or list of publications if any;

iii. a transcript of his/her master studies’ grades (including the overall grade) if available;

iv. Proof of English language proficiency e.g. English language certificates for non-native speakers.

v. at least one letter of recommendation, preferably by the Master's thesis supervisor. Note, if preferred this letter of recommendation may be sent directly by the Referee to the contact persons below.

Note: Items i,ii, iii and iv (and optionally v) should be emailed as a single PDF file (<10 Mb) to the Recruitment Committee @ [Email Address Removed], with ‘PhD application InPharma-network′ in the subject line.

A candidate who does not complete both steps in the application process will not be considered further.
Project Detail
Integrating in vitro dissolution-permeation data with biopharmaceutical models to predict the in vivo performance of drug formulations.

Host: University of Southern Denmark

PhD awarding institution: SDU
Scientific objectives
1) Benchmark a range of dissolution/permeation methods and develop integrated PBPK models with increasing levels of complexity using enabling formulations e.g. solubilised systems, nano-carriers, THEDES, or co-grinding with surfactant/cyclodextrin products;
(2) Verify predictability of PBPK models by comparison with human reference data.

Industrial: Develop a new guide on optimal selection of in vitro dissolution-permeation methods and in silico tools during formulation development for poorly soluble drugs.
Additional Requirements:
M.Sc. (or equivalent graduation) in relevant area (e.g. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Delivery or Industrial Pharmacy). Substantial hands-on experience with explorative dissolution models, preferably combined dissolution/permeation studies of enabling formulations is a prerequisite; experience with PBPK modelling and IVIVC studies is an advantage. Proof of English proficiency as communication and teaching language throughout InPharma is English (e.g. TOEFL or similar test, not for native speakers).
Planned secondment:
Host: Roche, Switzerland; Duration: ~18 months; Purpose: Formulation manufacturing; in vitro characterization; in silico modelling;

Host: NKUA, Greece; Duration: ~2 months; Purpose: Evaluation of alternative in vitro model (BioGIT)
Timelines
The deadline for the on-line application is 15 January 2021.

Applicants will only be notified if they have been shortlisted for interview by an InPharma recruitment committee. The selected candidates after interview will be expected to start their research as quickly as possible (target: February – April 2021).