PhD student in Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic modelling/
Pharmacometrics (m/f/x)
With around 6.500 employees and 8.600 students, the Medical University of Vienna is one of the largest top-level biomedical research and teaching institutions in Europe. The Department of Clinical Pharmacology is a clinical research and teaching institution focused on conducting clinical trials and advancing pharmacotherapies. We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic full-time (40 hours per week) PhD student (m/f/x) (with immediate effect) to strengthen the Clinical Pharmacometrics team. This is a fixed term position/contract for a duration of 4 years.
Research and Tasks
Pharmacometric models, including population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) models that describe time courses of drug concentrations and effects, are valuable tools to quantify and predict interactions between drugs, patients and diseases. The Clinical Pharmacometrics research group at the Dept. of Clinical Pharmacology applies pharmacometric PK(-PD) modelling and simulation to improve and personalise dosing, with the goal of enhancing treatment efficacy and safety. Furthermore, our research informs the design of clinical studies and supports drug development in different therapeutic areas, particularly in infectious diseases.
As a PhD student, you will develop pharmacometric models to enhance the understanding of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in healthy volunteers and special patient populations, and explore the implications of these processes for treatment outcomes and dosing strategies. Modelling and simulation activities will be performed based on clinical data from clinical trials or routine clinical practice, or based on preclinical data to translate drug effects from experimental systems to patients. The specific project will be tailored to the research group's needs and the candidate's interests and expertise. The PhD student will also write scientific articles for publication in international, peer-reviewed journals, present research findings at (inter-)national scientific conferences, contribute to advancing the group’s pharmacometric infrastructure and participate in seminars and journal clubs.
Your Profile
- University/Master degree (or equivalent, e.g. Diploma degree) in pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacometrics, (bio)medical sciences, mathematics/(bio)statistics, data sciences, life sciences or a related field; preferably previous experience in conducting a scientific project
- Strong interest in learning quantitative methods; Hands-on expertise with modelling and simulation software (e.g. NONMEM, R), PK-PD studies and statistical data analysis is a definite plus
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, scientific curiosity
- Proactive, independent, results-driven
- Good team player
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
- Readiness to contribute to teaching
We Offer
- The successful candidate will be enrolled in an international, structured PhD program with comprehensive scientific training and development opportunities
- At the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, you will work in an interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of clinical care, research and drug development, in close collaboration with clinicians and scientists of other divisions at the Meduni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital, international academic groups or pharmaceutical industry
- An opportunity to contribute to shape a new, highly motivated research group led by a supervisor with extensive international research experience
- A chance to acquire internationally sought-after pharmacometric skills
- Networking, exchange and mentorship opportunities
- Regular employee events (team events, etc.)
- Accessibility and commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Good transport links in a central location
The minimum monthly salary for this position (Uni-KV, VerwGr. B1) is currently Euro 3.714,-- gross (14x per year) on a full-time basis and may be increased by taking into account relevant previous experience and other salary components related to the specificities of the job.
The Medical University of Vienna is committed to increasing the proportion of women, particularly in leadership positions and among academic staff, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.
We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Liaison Officer of MedUni Vienna. Information can be found at https://br-ap.meduniwien.ac.at/en/ueber-uns/behindertenvertrauenspersonen/.
Please see www.meduniwien.ac.at/datenschutz/bewerbungen_en for our data protection policy.
Your application should include:
- Covering letter describing how your skills, motivation and research interests align with the required qualifications listed
- Curriculum vitae outlining higher education and professional experience (especially research internships)
- Copy of your Master thesis + any relevant publications
- Diplomas and certificates, including academic transcripts
- Contact details (incl. email address) of 2-3 references + at least 1 reference letter
Please quote reference number 757-1/24 in the subject line of your email and send your complete application in English by 30 April 2025 to: bewerbungen@meduniwien.ac.at.
All files should be merged into 1 single PDF.
Starting date: Preferably Q2/2025
For any inquiries regarding the position please contact:
Ass.Prof. Dr. Iris Minichmayr
iris.minichmayr@meduniwien.ac.at
We look forward to receiving your application!