Research Associate

About the role

A postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available on a full time basis for 12 months to contribute to the project: Development and Validation of a Multi-functional, Multi-purpose Quantitative Tool for Dermal Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling.

Bath’s contribution to this research involves primarily the generation of experimental data to guide the development of this enhanced PBPK model by formulating products and the characterization of their metamorphotic events and their kinetics. Specifically, this PDRA will contribute to the project by: (a) formulating series of drug-vehicle combinations chosen for their potential to inform about metamorphotic events and provide relevant data for modelling purposes, (b) characterizing formulations by measuring drug stability and solubility in selected vehicles (initial formulations and after metamorphosis) and performing other tests (e.g., pH, viscosity, microscopy) as needed, (c) investigating drug and excipients (as feasible/relevant) skin permeation and disposition, (d) in collaboration with other researchers, link permeation data to metamorphosis events and formulation properties; and (d) investigating the manner in which experimental data might be exploited by a PBPK model. This challenging, fast-pace work will involve extensive formulation, IVPT and solubility tests and thus, quantitative analysis by HPLC. A successful candidate will be experienced in these techniques and will independently and pro-actively develop HPLC methods and propose alternative analytical approaches and tools which may be informative for the research aims. A background on skin formulation and percutaneous permeation is required. The successful candidate will have demonstrated capacity for carrying independent research including provision of technical reports, scientific outputs and efficient data presenting and sharing with the extended grant team and funders.

About you:

1. Contribute to the choice of formulations which will be used to elucidate the metamorphosis process, and identify relevant, quality and other drug and formulation characteristics that can inform about the metamorphosis process and its impact on drug absorption.
2. Conduct IVPT experiments to characterise the drug and excipients (as feasible and relevant) in vitro permeation across the skin and their disposition in skin layers. This experiments may involve the starting product, the residual phase and intermediate transition phase (as relevant/feasible).
3. Conduct preformulation work such as solubility and stability studies and other tests (e.g., viscometry, pH) identified as relevant.
4. Develop and validate HPLC methods (or appropriate alternative analytical approaches) for the quantitative measurement of drugs and excipients.
5. Conduct data processing, analysis, and interpretation in collaboration with research partners and ensure prompt interactions within the team to advance the project.
6. Participate in monthly meetings with stakeholders (regulators, industry, research networks, as relevant). The PDRA will play a key role in these meetings presenting latest results and acquiring background information required for data interpretation and the planning of future steps.
7. Contribute to scientific outcomes (conference presentations, scientific articles) of the grant.
8. Together with other researchers, ensure that University of Bath policies, including but not limited to health and safety, research integrity guidelines and SOPs are observed.

Further information

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected start date of 01/03/2026 for an expected period of 12 months.

For an informal discussion, please contact Begona Delgado Charro at prsbd@bath.ac.uk.

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