Postdoctoral Researcher in Regulatory Innovation

Postdoctoral Researcher in Regulatory Innovation

• Faculty:
• Faculty of Science
• Department:
• Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Hours per week:
• 32 to 32
• Application deadline:

Are you interested in working at the intersection of science and policy? As a researcher within Ombion (Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation), you will investigate how new animal-free methods (New Approach Methodologies, NAMs) can be accepted more quickly by regulatory authorities. From both a scientific and societal perspective, you will contribute to a groundbreaking national programme that aims to radically transform biomedical translation. If you are currently working outside academia, this is also a great opportunity. We strongly encourage you to apply.

Your job

You will contribute to strengthening the position of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) within the national and international regulatory ecosystem. Your focus will be on unlocking and applying regulatory knowledge to accelerate the transition. You will work multidisciplinary within a large network of partners from academia, government and the private sector, acting as a link between knowledge, policy, practice and business. Your activities will include:

• Building expertise: you will map out the regulatory ecosystem surrounding NAMs used for biomedical translation and the safety assessment of medicinal products. You will develop, integrate and share your knowledge of (primarily European) regulatory frameworks and the validation and qualification of these models.
• Sharing and disseminating knowledge: you will develop and manage an interactive Regulatory Dashboard that makes knowledge about NAMs, validation and qualification procedures accessible to developers and end-users. In addition, you will design processes to streamline regulatory queries and advice.
• Stakeholder engagement: you will build sustainable relationships with policymakers, regulatory bodies, companies and researchers. You will facilitate knowledge exchange and networking events on the regulatory aspects of animal-free innovation.
• Regulatory Science: you will translate relevant topics from the Ombion external linkprogramme into scientific research questions for the evaluation of regulatory systems and processes. Additionally, within the programme, you will be part of the supervision team for a PhD candidate conducting research in the field of regulatory science and innovation.
• Alignment and coordination: you will oversee regulatory activities within Ombion and work closely with the regulatory affairs officers of the transition projects and the regulatory managers at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

Your qualities

You combine expert knowledge with the ability to independently steer research and bring people and perspectives together. You bring the following knowledge and experience:

• you hold a PhD in a relevant field (e.g. pharmaceutical or (bio)medical sciences, toxicology, (veterinary) health sciences or innovation studies);
• you have experience in pharmaceutical policy research or regulatory science;
• you have experience in conducting and publishing scientific research;
• you have proven ability to independently design projects and take the initiative to drive them forward;
• you are a strong connective force: you enjoy collaborating and easily navigate between different stakeholders, such as researchers, policymakers and industry partners. To enable this, you possess good communication skills in English (spoken and written).

We consider it an advantage if you have:

• experience in supervising students or junior researchers;
• experience in organising and presenting at events, and feel comfortable chairing meetings or workshops;
• an affinity with the ethical aspects of animal testing (and non-animal testing) and drug development.

Our offer

• a position for one year (0.85 FTE), with the possibility of a two-year extension following a positive evaluation (three years in total);
• a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between € 3.546 and €6.433 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10, 11 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.

This position offers a unique collaboration between the Faculties of Science and Veterinary Medicine. You will be appointed at the Faculty of Science, with part of your work taking place at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science

This position offers a unique collaboration between the Faculties of Science and Veterinary Medicine. Within the Faculty of Science, you will be based in the division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences). The division includes three specialised research centres. You will be part of the Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy & Regulation, which focuses on the context in which medicines are developed, assessed and used. Within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, you will be part of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) (Department of Population Health Sciences).

You will also become part of Ombion (Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation), an ambitious national programme that accelerates the transition to animal-free biomedical innovations by promoting the development, validation, and implementation of new methods.

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 you motivate your interest in contributing to this programme and explain how your experience aligns with this position. Please provide a specific example from your research or previous work that demonstrates this;
• 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.

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The application deadline is 18 May 2026.