Nowadays outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) is used more often and for a broader range of infections. However, studies have shown that some antibiotics are susceptible to degradation (especially in the hot or variable Australian climate) which leads clinicians to hesitate to use some antibiotics in OPAT settings. Dr Fekade Sime is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and was recently awarded an NHMRC Investigator Grant which seeks to address drug stability issues so that clinicians can make better decisions and be more confident about the use of antibiotic infusions in the community. The project titled Optimizing outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy to support hospital-in-the-home program across the unique environmental conditions of Australia will be delivered between 2021–2025 and aims to optimise the stability and dosing regimens of antibiotics for outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy.
The project also offers interested professionals the opportunity to join the research team as a PhD student. In the role, the successful candidate will assess whether the stability of infusion preparations is acceptable and do real-life stability studies. They will also study the clinical pharmacokinetics of antibiotics used in OPAT programs and use mathematical modelling approaches to predict appropriate dosing in OPAT settings.
Applicants from a pharmacy, medicine, clinical nursing background are encouraged to apply, especially if they have PK / PD knowledge (desirable).
CRE REDUCE offers unique opportunities for students to work alongside researchers who are leaders in their field, on projects that directly translate to improved patient outcomes.
We offer our students:
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Access to patients in leading quaternary level intensive care and burns units
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Access to quality-assured bioanalytical laboratory with the latest HPLC/LCMS equipment
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A large array of clinical research equipment
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Supervision by experienced internationally recognized researchers
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Multidisciplinary seminars
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Funds to attend national or international conferences
- Access to computers and office space
Contact Dr Fekade Sime on email f.sime@uq.edu.au now to find out more about this opportunity!
Applications will be selected on a competitive basis taking into account your previous academic and publication record, honours, awards and employment history. You should be able to demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of pharmacy, medicine, clinical nursing and the potential for scholastic success. A background or knowledge of pharmacokinetics is highly desirable. More information on how to apply available at https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/phd-scholarships-health.
