PhD Position in Regulatory Innovation

Do you want to investigate how animal-free methods (New Approach Methodologies, NAMs) can become the standard in drug development? As a PhD student in Regulatory Science, you will evaluate regulatory systems, processes and the broader scientific, social and institutional factors that influence the transition to animal-free innovations.

Your job

Although animal testing currently remains a key step in the development of medicines, it often provides limited insights into how drugs will work in humans, while also being time-consuming and costly. A successful transition to the use of NAMs requires not only technical changes, but also cultural, policy and organisational changes. This necessitates the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, such as researchers, risk assessors, companies and policymakers.

You will conduct PhD research into the integration of NAMs into the regulatory ecosystem, with the aim of improving the translational potential of medicines and reducing the use of laboratory animals. In doing so, you will draw on the unique knowledge base within Ombion external link (Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation), an ambitious national programme aimed at accelerating the transition to animal-free biomedical innovations. Transition projects within Ombion focus on animal-free innovations for new therapies for asthma/COPD, osteoarthritis/arthritis, ALS and cystic fibrosis.

Potential research topics include:

the needs of target users of NAMs such as researchers (NAM developers and pharmaceutical industry) and risk assessors in determining the desired level of evidence generated by NAMs;

the experiences of NAM developers and end-users with qualification procedures and the role of supporting tools, such as a Regulatory Dashboard;

confidence in NAM data among different target groups and in different contexts (predicting the desired effect in humans vs. ruling out safety risks);

transferability of approaches and models from research into the application of NAMs in the safety assessment of chemical substances to medicinal products and vice versa.

Your qualities

You are inherently curious and keen to develop your skills at the intersection of science, policy and practice. In addition, you bring the following:

you hold a master’s degree in (bio)medical sciences, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, toxicology, innovation sciences or a comparable relevant degree;

you have a demonstrable interest in pharmaceutical policy, regulatory science or animal-free innovations;

you possess strong analytical skills and can differentiate between key and secondary issues;

you communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing;

you work in a structured manner, take the initiative and are motivated to master new methods and topics.

We consider it an advantage if you have:

experience engaging and/or collaborating with various stakeholders;

the ability to translate complex scientific insights into a policy and societal context;

an affinity with the societal and ethical aspects of drug development and animal testing (or animal-free research).

Our offer

a position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon a positive assessment in the first 18 months;

a gross monthly salary starting at € 3,059 in the first year and increasing annually up to €3,881 in the fourth year, based on full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));

8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;

a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

More information

For more information, please contact Prof. dr. Marieke de Bruin at m.l.debruin@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the “Apply now” button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation, in which clearly explain how your background and experience match the vacancy and what motivates you to pursue a PhD;
• your Curriculum vitae.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.