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PhD Position in Quantitative Pharmacology of Biologics

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position DurationSee Position Description
  • Position Funding Type PhD Research Funding
  • Application deadlineFebruary 27, 2026
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Position Details (PhD Research Project)

The Leuven Pharmacometrics Research Group, headed by Prof. Erwin Dreesen, is part of the Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Unit within the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences at KU Leuven (Belgium).
Our team specializes in data-driven modeling and simulation (M&S) to advance drug development and precision medicine across therapeutic areas including immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, transplantation, and oncology.
We are seeking a bright and highly motivated PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary team for a cutting-edge project focused on pharmacokinetics–pharmacodynamics (PK–PD) M&S of biologics, aiming to optimize dosing strategies and inform clinical trial design.
• Pharmacometrics Research Group:
https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/research/50000715/LeuvenPharmacometrics
• Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Unit:
https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/research/50000715/52577001
• Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences:
https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/research/50000715

Project

This PhD project centers on the development of a computational platform model for a biologic therapy, integrating data from clinical trials and real-world studies. The model will be used to simulate and evaluate optimized dosing strategies for special populations, including hard-to-treat patients.

Embedded within a flexible academic–industry collaboration, the project offers room for scientific exploration, innovation, and the opportunity to contribute to model-informed drug development in alignment with emerging regulatory frameworks.

Profile

Essential
  • Master’s degree in Pharmacometrics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Bio)medicine, (Bio)statistics, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Bioengineering, or related fields
  • Strong interest in quantitative methods and drug development
  • Hands-on experience with modeling and simulation software tools (e.g., NONMEM, R) and statistical data analysis
  • Programing skills in R and/or Python
  • Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (oral and written)
  • Independent, proactive, rigorous, results-driven, solution-oriented, and a critical thinker
  • Collaborative spirit and enthusiasm for working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment
  • Willingness to contribute to teaching and mentoring

Bonus (not required)

  • Prior experience with PK–PD studies
  • Background in pharmacometrics

Offer

  • A full-time PhD position (initially 2 years, extendable to 4 years maximum)
  • A high-impact, scientifically exceptional research project in collaboration with industry
  • A dynamic and supportive international research environment with English as the primary working language
  • Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and high-performance computing
  • Dedicated training programs to enhance your expertise
  • Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and career development
  • An inclusive and respectful workplace culture
  • Regular social and networking events

Pharmacometrics Research Group
Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Unit
Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Erwin Dreesen, mail:[emailprotected]

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

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