PhD Scholarship in Pharmacy

PhD Studentship

Computer-Based Prediction of Toxicity

Liverpool John Moores University - School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

A Ph.D. studentship, for three years, is offered in computer-based toxicology, focusing on predicting the potential human health effects of exposure to cosmetic ingredients. The studentship will be located in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. Liverpool John Moores University is internationally recognised for its work in computer-based (in silico) techniques and predictive toxicology, developing models with the overall aim of reducing the need for animals in toxicological testing.

The PhD Studentship is in the area of computer-based prediction of the potential effects of chemicals to humans. Funding is available for three years to develop computational models. These are based around the understanding of the relationship between chemistry and toxicology, and the use of computer-based technologies to create (often simple) models. Such approaches can be as fundamental as finding groups of similar molecules and determining the effects of molecules within the group. Other modelling techniques include the development of (quantitative) structure-activity relationships ((Q)SARs). The project may also involve collating and checking toxicity data from various sources including regulatory agencies and industry. As a result, part of the project may involve travel to the USA (Washington DC region). This project is funded in part by the EU / Cosmetics Europe COSMOS project (www.cosmostox.eu). The overall aim of the COSMOS project is to develop computational models of toxicity, with an emphasis on effects to humans following repeated exposure. The successful candidate will be expected to assist in project reporting and planning within the University, and report to the Project Consortium, the Seurat-1 Cluster and at other meetings as appropriate. In addition s/he will be expected to contribute to other on-going research projects in the area of computer-based prediction of toxicity as appropriate and relevant.

General Information:

The student will register initially for the award of MPhil and will be expected to transfer to PhD registration within 12-15 months (subject to satisfactory progress and approval of a transfer report).

A tax-free PhD stipend is available for three years and starts at £13,590 in the first year rising to approximately £13,800 in the third year. Tuition fees will be paid for EU students (non EU students will have to fund the difference between home fees and international fees). The anticipated start date is 17 September 2012 or thereabouts.

Applicants are expected to have:

1.   at least an upper second class Honours degree (or equivalent) in any suitable biological, chemical, biochemical, toxicological, informatics or computational science, or a related field; or

2.   a relevant Masters degree.

Applications should be in the form of:

1.   A covering letter outlining your interest in, and relevant experience for, the position (maximum one page). For non-EU candidates there must be a clear statement explaining how you would expect to pay the difference in EU and overseas fees.

2.   A C.V. (maximum two pages) including the names of two referees.

Further information in terms of job description and person specification is available from:http://www.staff.livjm.ac.uk/phamcron/Advert.htm

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Prof Mark Cronin. Applications should be submitted, preferably electronically, by 5pm (local time) Friday 24 August 2012 to Mark Cronin (m.t.cronin@ljmu.ac.uk) or by post to Mark Cronin, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, England.