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Post: Ph.D researcher: Knowledge integration by PBPK modelling (1,0 fte)
Job Description:
Providing clinical information on the toxicity of hazardous chemicals in humans in emergency situations is not straightforward. One major obstacle is that human data on toxicity of chemicals are scarce. Data on the toxicity of chemicals are available only from animal and in vitro studies, and from accidental chemical exposure of humans.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are mathematical models that can estimate the dose inhaled or ingested by a living being or by a specific organ after exposure to xenobiotics. PBPK models allow the extrapolation of results from in vitro and animal studies to humans. Numerous PBPK models have been developed for specific chemicals but their applicability in emergency situations has not been studied yet. It is therefore necessary to make an inventory of the models relevant to hazardous chemical incidents, to study their applicability in emergency situations, and to promote their implementation in order to better determine and characterize risks from exposure to hazardous substances in acute chemical incidents.
In this project we will evaluate the value of using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling technique for predicting the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of chemicals in humans after accidents or disasters involving hazardous chemicals.
Your activities will include reviewing reports from the Environmental Incident Service of the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (MOD) from the RIVM, literature articles on accidents or disasters involving hazardous chemicals and literature on existing PBPK models. Next, you will design and perform scientific research in order to collect in vivo data in support of future adaptation of the models, through observational or experimental studies. You will publish your findings as papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. These papers will form the basis of the PhD thesis. You will work in a multidisciplinary research team with toxicologists, kineticists and physicians. You will also collaborate with several other national and international partners.
Candidate Profile:
We are looking for an enthusiastic graduate (MSc) with a background in the field of (environmental) health sciences, or biomedical sciences. The candidate should have strong organisational, communication and writing skills (in Dutch and English). We are looking for a team player who is able to work independently. Experience in the field of exposure assessment or kinetic modeling will be an advantage.
Candidates from the European Union and North America are eligible for this position.
How to apply: Please send your written application, with motivation, curriculum vitae and addresses of two references, to the personnel department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, attn. Mrs. drs. M.E.J. Willemse-van Soest, by e-mail to vacatures1@uu.nl.
Please send your application before 21 March 2011 and refer to vacancy number 121115.
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