PhD Position in Analytical Chemistry and Pharmacokinetics

100%

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a world-leading institute in global health with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, education and services at local, national and international level. 950 staff and students from 95 nations work at Swiss TPH focusing on climate change, environment and health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, societal and cultural context, and health systems and policies.

The Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology (MPI) investigates the biology and transmission of pathogens. Findings from this research inform the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines against malaria, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, Chagas and other neglected tropical diseases.

Within the Helminth Drug Development Unit of MPI, we are offering a PhD Position in Analytical Chemistry and Pharmacokinetics (100%) for a dedicated multidisciplinary scientist. The position is based in Allschwil in the unit of Jennifer Keiser.

Helminths cause a significant public health burden yet treatment options are limited, and their efficacy is partly unsatisfactory. We have discovered a lead candidate against schistosomiasis and would like to further investigate it in preclinical studies, including combination chemotherapy and different treatment regimen.



YOUR VARIOUS RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Develop a sensitive, selective and rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of the drug
  • Conduct pharmacokinetic studies with different doses and treatment regimen in mice, humanized mice and hamster
  • Assist with pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling
  • Conduct combination chemotherapy studies with the lead candidate and other antischistosomal drugs



YOU SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS IN:

  • MSc degree in chemistry, pharmacy, biology or similar and interest in a multidisciplinary work environment
  • Hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS and the development of analytical methods
  • Interest in parasitology and work in rodents
  • Excellent laboratory skills
  • Self-motivated and career-oriented with strong communication skills in English (written and verbal); French and/or German is an asset
  • Well organized, enthusiastic and initiative personality



WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Meaningful work in an international environment
  • A state-of-the-art workplace in our new building with its own canteen on the dynamic BaseLink site in Allschwil
  • Interesting encounters with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
  • Being part of a committed and motivated team with short information and decision paths
  • Attractive employment conditions, versatile further education opportunities and mentoring

JOB CONDITIONS:

  • Start Date: 1 October 2024 or upon agreement
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Percentage: 100%
  • Location: Allschwil, Switzerland
  • Travel required: None
  • Internal job title: PhD Student

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your application online via https://jobs.swisstph.ch/Jobs/All with:
  • CV
  • Motivational letter including names and contact information (email or phone) of 1 – 2 references
  • Reference letters and diploma

Together, we can make the world a healthier place. We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that we can only accept applications via our online recruiting tool. Applications via e-mail or external recruiter will not be considered.

The closing date for application is 15th September 2024.

CONTACT:

To get more information about the position, please contact Jennifer Keiser: jennifer.keiser@swisstph.ch