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The Faculty of Science and the Division Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy
(SPP) of LACDR

Position: PhD candidate for Data analytical methodologies to predict adverse drug responses from real world data

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join our division Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) at Leiden University. The PhD applicant will perform innovative research on data analytical, computational PBPK/PKPD modeling techniques, and machine learning approaches to predict adverse drug effects. This project will leverage real-world data, including electronic health records and patient-reported outcomes, as well as mechanism-based pharmacological data to model, identify and predict the risk and severity of adverse drug effects.

Project description
Adverse drug effects are a significant and widely studied risk associated with medication use. While clinical trials are essential for assessing drug safety, post-marketing surveillance plays a crucial role in identifying less common and unexpected side effects that emerge after prolonged exposure in larger, more diverse populations. It is well-established that not all patients experience the same side effects from a given drug, and some drug classes can cause similar adverse effects.

Despite extensive studies on patient-related risk factors for adverse drug effects, the mechanisms that underlie unanticipated side effects remain largely unexplored. In this project, we will focus on understanding how real-world data (RWD) can help predict adverse drug effects. The project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role and interaction of patient-specific differences, comorbidities, and drug-drug interactions. Within the project, data from large-scale pharmacovigilance data as well as mechanistic biological and pharmacological knowledge will be combined and analyzed using a combination of statistical and machine learning techniques and mechanistic computational models. Overall, this project seeks to develop innovative data analytical strategies which enable holistic individualized prediction of adverse drug effects in diverse patient populations.

Key responsibilities
During a PhD track at our division, we expect the preferred candidate to

• conduct original and collaborative research in the framework of the project and complete your PhD thesis within 4 years;
• publish scientific articles in international peer-review journals;
• present at national and international conferences;
• support education activities in the Pharmacy master programme and supervise research projects;
• engage in collaborations between internal and external research groups;
• follow PhD training courses based on an individual training and supervision plan.

Selection criteria
The preferred candidate has

• a Master’s degree in Pharmacy, (Bio-)Pharmaceutical Sciences or a similar Master’s degree with a biomedical focus, ideally combined with formal training in statistical techniques;
• theoretical knowledge and practical experience in statistical/quantitative techniques and/or machine learning techniques;
• prior experience in the use of scripting languages (e.g., R, Python);
• affinity with, or interest in, teaching or supervising students;
• strong communication skills and willingness to collaborate in research;
• strong motivation to pursue a PhD degree and ability to work independently;
• full proficiency in spoken and written English.
  

Our faculty and institute
At the LACDR, approximately 220 scientists and support staff work on research and education in various aspects of drug research. The LACDR is located in the heart of the Bio-Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where the university, hospital, and industry come together to develop and apply innovative therapies. This provides an excellent learning environment for both our undergraduate students and PhD candidates. Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students and staff. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.

The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended with another three years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 2.901,- per month in the first year to € 3.707,- gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international partners the University offers a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

All our PhD candidates are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity
We are strongly committed to diversity within our community, and we especially welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups. The LACDR is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequent varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun and goes hand in hand with a friendly culture.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Fouzia Lghoul – Oulad Said, (f.lghoul@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following documents (in pdf format) quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum vitae - highlighting research and teaching related experiences.
• Motivation letter (maximum one page), explaining how your experience and interests match this PhD project.
• Contact information of at least two potential references, preferably including previous supervisor(s)

Only applications received no later than 22 April 2025 can be considered.

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