PhD Position (f/m/x)

The Medical University of Vienna, with approximately 6,500 employees and 8,600 students, is among Europe’s leading institutions for biomedical research and education. The Department ofClinical Pharmacology, focused on clinical trials and the development of innovative pharmacotherapies, is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student (m/f/d) to join our Pharmacometrics and Precision Dosing team (30 hours/week project work, initial fixed-term contract for 1 year, with possibility of extension to 3 years in total).

Research and Responsibilities

Pharmacometric models, including preclinical pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) models in oncology, are valuable tools for understanding and predicting tumour response and supporting translational dose selection for clinical studies. This PhD project aims to advance approaches for the analysis and design of in vivo tumour-growth inhibition studies of preclinical compounds as a basis for human dose predictions. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with an industry partner, the Preclinical PKPD Modelling Group at Boehringer Ingelheim (Vienna), offering a unique opportunity to apply PK/PD modelling within model-informed drug development in oncology.

The successful candidate will develop population pharmacokinetic and tumour-growth inhibition models to characterise exposure-response relationships of oncology compounds and support model-based translation between mice and humans. You will also write scientific publications for international, peer-reviewed journals, present research findings at (inter-)national scientific conferences, contribute to advancing the group’s pharmacometric workflows and actively participate in seminars and journal clubs.

Your Profile

• University/Master’s degree (or equivalent) in pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacometrics, (bio)medical sciences, mathematics/(bio)statistics, or a closely related field
• Highly desirable: prior hands-on experience in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling and statistical data analysis, software proficiency (e.g., NONMEM, R)
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, scientific curiosity
• Good team player in a multidisciplinary environment
• Proactive, independent, results-driven
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Our Offer

• An international, structured doctoral program with comprehensive scientific training and development opportunities
• An interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of clinical care, research and drug development, in close collaboration with scientists at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and co-supervision by experts at Boehringer Ingelheim
• Research experience in both an academic and industry setting
• An opportunity to contribute to shape a new, highly motivated research group led by a supervisor with extensive international research experience
• A chance to acquire internationally sought-after pharmacometric skills
• Opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervision of students
• Networking, exchange and mentorship opportunities
• Regular employee events (team events, etc.)
• Accessibility and commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Good transport links in a central location, subsidy for public transport

The monthly salary for this position (Uni-KV, VerwGr. B1) is currently Euro 2,832€ gross (14x/year).

The Medical University of Vienna is committed to increasing the proportion of women, particularly in leadership positions and among academic staff, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Liaison Officer of MedUni Vienna. Information can be found at meduniwien.ac.at/behindertenvertrauenspersonen

Please see meduniwien.ac.at/datenschutz/bewerbungen_en for our data protection policy.

Your application

Your complete application (merged into 1 single PDF) includes:

• Cover letter describing how your skills, motivation and research interests align with the required qualifications listed
• Curriculum vitae outlining higher education and professional experience (especially research internships)
• Copy of your Master’s thesis + any relevant publications
• Diplomas and degree certificates, including academic transcripts
• Contact details (incl. email address) of 2-3 references + at least 1 reference letter

Please send your application in English to: [email protected]

Deadline: 2026-07-28; applications will, however, be reviewed continuously, and the position may be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.

Start date: Summer 2026 or as agreed

For any inquiries regarding the position please contact: Ass.Prof. Dr. Iris Minichmayr

[email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!