12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Preclinical and Translational PK & PKPD Scientist

In drug discovery and development, setting the optimal dose for a drug candidate requires deep understanding of the interplay between drug absorption, distribution and elimination in the body (pharmacokinetics or PK) and its pharmacological interaction with the target (pharmacodynamics or PD). Model informed approaches, such as PKPD models, deploy mathematical frameworks to capture this interplay and to quantitatively predict a therapeutic and safe dose in humans. These mathematical models are informed by translating in-vitro and in-vivo pre-clinical data to account for species' differences in PKPD, mechanistic disease models, and by integrating relevant biomarkers to quantify inter-patient variability. AstraZeneca's world-renowned Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) modelling and simulation team supports the discovery pipeline by deploying pre-clinical PKPD and translational mathematical models to project the relationship between drug dose and efficacy for a range of diverse therapeutic agents. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate to join the modelling and simulation team to collaborate on the design, curation and development of novel PKPD modelling tools aimed at improved clinical dose projections. You will be exposed to the process of drug discovery and development by working closely with DMPK colleagues to help inform therapeutic doses to maximise patients' benefits. Accountabilities

• Work with DMPK colleagues to collate and curate appropriate datasets for model design
• Contribute to the design and development of PKPD models for the pre-clinical drug discovery setting
• Communicate project developments to DMPK colleagues as required
• Evaluate and interpret PKPD data to prepare for team meetings
• Work collaboratively with other expertise within DMPK and Pharmacology
• Contribute to scientific understanding describing the PK and PKPD of projects as well as novel PKPD methods and approaches
• Ensure compliance with corporate code of conduct guidance and ensuring adherence to best SHE practice
Key Deliverables
• Complete and present project deliverables to the DMPK colleagues within the agreed timelines and to the right quality
  
  Currently enrolled in a BS in engineering, mathematics, physics pharmaceutical sciences or related field
• Experienced in mathematical modelling and ODE solving.
• Ideally, experienced in simulation software tools such as Matlab, WinNonLin, NonMem, Berkeley Madonna or equivalent.
• Good communication skills.