Marieke de Bruin

Utrecht University is advertising a PhD in Regulatory Innovation (Animal-Free Drug Development) within the Faculty of Science, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The project sits in the division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology and is linked to Ombion (Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation) , a national programme focused on accelerating the transition to animal-free biomedical innovations. This PhD is ideal for candidates interested in the intersection of regulatory science, pharmaceutical policy, ethics, science-policy interface, and animal-free innovation . The research examines how New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) can become the standard in drug development by studying regulatory systems, qualification procedures, evidence needs, stakeholder dynamics, and institutional or cultural barriers. Potential topics include the level of evidence regulators need from NAMs, how scientists and companies adopt animal-free methods, confidence in NAM-generated data, transferability between chemical and medicinal product assessment, and the use of tools such as a Regulatory Dashboard. The position is based at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and is supervised/connected with Prof. dr. Marieke de Bruin . The post emphasizes interdisciplinary work across science, policy, and practice, with engagement across researchers, risk assessors, companies, and policymakers. The university highlights strong collaboration, professional development, and a research environment focused on life sciences and societal impact. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, toxicology, innovation sciences, or a comparable relevant field. Strong analytical skills, clear English communication, structured working methods, initiative, and motivation to learn new methods are expected. Experience with stakeholder engagement, policy translation, and ethical/societal aspects of drug development is an advantage. Funding: the PhD is fully funded for four years, with a gross monthly salary starting at €3,059 and rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, plus holiday pay and year-end bonus. The initial appointment is for 18 months, with extension to four years after positive assessment. Application deadline: 17 May 2026. Applicants should submit a motivation letter and CV through the Utrecht University application portal.

Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position in Regulatory Innovation, focusing on the integration of animal-free methods (New Approach Methodologies, NAMs) into drug development. The position is based in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, within the division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, and is closely linked to the Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy & Regulation and Ombion (Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation), a national programme accelerating animal-free biomedical innovations. The research aims to evaluate regulatory systems, processes, and the broader scientific, social, and institutional factors influencing the transition to animal-free innovations. You will investigate how NAMs can become standard practice in drug development, improving translational potential and reducing reliance on laboratory animals. Projects within Ombion focus on animal-free innovations for therapies targeting asthma/COPD, osteoarthritis/arthritis, ALS, and cystic fibrosis. Potential research topics include: understanding the needs of NAM users (researchers, pharmaceutical industry, risk assessors), qualification procedures and supporting tools like Regulatory Dashboards, confidence in NAM data across target groups and contexts, and transferability of approaches between chemical safety assessment and medicinal products. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in (bio)medical sciences, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, toxicology, innovation sciences, or a comparable relevant field. Demonstrable interest in pharmaceutical policy, regulatory science, or animal-free innovations is required. Strong analytical skills, clear English communication, structured work habits, initiative, and motivation to master new methods and topics are essential. Experience engaging with stakeholders, translating scientific insights into policy/societal context, and affinity with societal and ethical aspects of drug development and animal testing are advantageous. The position is initially for 18 months, with extension to a total of four years upon positive assessment. The gross monthly salary starts at €3,059 in the first year and increases annually up to €3,881 in the fourth year, based on full-time employment. Additional benefits include 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible terms of employment, and professional development opportunities. Utrecht University offers a supportive and inclusive environment, with arrangements for sports, cultural activities, and tailored employment conditions. To apply, submit your letter of motivation and CV via the Utrecht University application portal by 17 May 2026. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Marieke de Bruin. The university values diversity and strives to create a safe and inclusive environment for all staff.

PhD Position in Regulatory Innovation at Utrecht University This PhD opportunity is based in the Faculty of Science, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, at Utrecht University. The project sits at the intersection of regulatory science , pharmacy , medical science , and animal-free biomedical translation , with a strong focus on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and their adoption in drug development. The successful candidate will investigate how NAMs can become the standard in drug development by evaluating regulatory systems, processes, and the broader scientific, social, and institutional factors that shape the transition away from animal testing. The research is embedded in Ombion (Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation) , a national programme accelerating the development, validation, and implementation of animal-free innovations. Potential research directions include the needs of NAM users such as researchers, industry developers, and risk assessors; qualification procedures and supporting tools such as a Regulatory Dashboard; confidence in NAM data across different contexts; and transferability of methods between chemical safety assessment and medicinal product development. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a master’s degree in (bio)medical sciences, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, toxicology, innovation sciences, or a comparable relevant field. Strong analytical skills, clear English communication, a structured working style, and a demonstrable interest in pharmaceutical policy, regulatory science, or animal-free innovations are required. Experience with stakeholders, policy translation, and ethical/societal aspects of drug development is an advantage. Funding and conditions: the position is offered for 18 months initially, with extension to a total of four years after positive assessment. Salary starts at €3,059 gross per month in year one and rises to €3,881 in year four, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, parental leave, and flexible employment conditions. Application window: the deadline is 17 May 2026. Apply through the Utrecht University vacancy page and submit a motivation letter and CV.