Postdoc CPBT Validation & Qualification

Join the Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (CPBT, in Dutch: Centrum voor Proefdiervrije Biomedische Translatie) as a postdoctoral researcher and work on the further development and realisation of our CPBT qualification and validation programme!

Your job
Your work will be dedicated to standardisation, qualification and validation work of new approach methodologies (NAMs). To build scientific confidence in new approach NAMs robust and efficient processes are essential. NAMs must be purpose-fit, reliable, and—when assessing human health effects—provide data that is relevant to human biology. You will work together with NAM developers and engage with stakeholders such as regulators and industry. Evaluating a NAM’s biological relevance should emphasise its alignment with human biology, its mechanistic basis, and its capacity to inform health-protective decisions, rather than relying solely on comparisons with traditional animal testing.

Together with validation/qualification experts within and outside the CPBT, you will work on the further development and realization of our CPBT qualification and validation programme. In consultation with experts, national and international partners from the private and public sector, you will develop an attractive programme. You will be also responsible for the CPBT validation and qualification laboratory, working together with scientists and technicians. You are able to build bridges with the outside world, but also with internal support organisations. You therefore feel at home at both the strategic and operational levels.

In addition to the above responsibilities, you will be involved in project and process management, communication and marketing about the programme, building and maintaining the network, participating in national and international committees and working groups.

You feel at home working in a public/private environment and have a good knowledge of the biomedical research and professional field. You are skilled at connecting with the business community, knowledge partners, NGOs and government.

You are motivated by translating strategy and vision into concrete plans. As a professional, you are analytical and communicative, flexible, committed and resiliant. You demonstrate a high degree of entrepreneurship and connective leadership, but are also capable of supervising hands-on logistical processes. We are therefore looking for a full-time candidate with the following qualities:

• You have a completed scientific degree. A PhD in the biomedical field using NAMs is a must.
• You have up-to-date and thorough knowledge of research in the biomedical sector applicable to values and mission of the CPBT.
• You are able to quickly familiarise yourself with current topics involved in the CPBT programme.
• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills. You are highly sensitive to your environment and have strong advisory skills and persuasiveness.
• You have experience in functionally managing a small team. Your style is development-oriented.
• You have an excellent command of Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

• An position for one year, with the possibility of extension;
• a working week of 36 to 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 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 has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

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.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

At the Department of Clinical Sciences, you will work alongside approximately 150 veterinarians and a similar number of support staff. Approximately two-thirds of the veterinarians are specialists in various disciplines; the remaining one-third consists of interns, residents and PhD candidates. Together we are responsible for the education of veterinary students, provision of clinical services to horses and companion animals, and both clinical and more fundamental research in the areas of regenerative medicine, locomotion, genetics and reproduction.

The translation of biomedical knowledge to patients and users results in new medicines, medical technologies, and food products. This benefits our health, our environment, and economy. Animal testing is currently an important link in the biomedical development process, but it is increasingly under pressure. Often, animal tests are not a good model for human application; they are time-consuming, expensive, and cause animal suffering. To continue improving the health of humans and animals, a radically different approach is needed: making the step to humans and animals faster and more effective, without relying on animal testing by default.

The new Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (CPBT, in Dutch: Centrum voor Proefdiervrije Biomedische Translatie) will shape this approach, creating new business opportunities around animal-free technologies and biomedical translation. This allows the Netherlands to distinguish itself globally and realize its ambition of becoming a leader in animal-free innovation.

The CPBT is a national centre for valorising and disseminating animal-free innovations and expertise. It aims to improve and accelerate the transition of new biomedical innovations to patients and users, at lower costs, and without the use of animals. This will lead to safer, more effective, and better medicines while reducing animal testing.

Together with a large number of national and international partners, the CPBT will work on the development and dissemination of animal-free biomedical innovations and expertise. The initial transition projects will focus on ALS, cystic fibrosis, osteoarthritis/rheumatic diseases, and asthma/COPD. The CPBT will implement the available and developed methods, tools, and expertise together with researchers and companies. The new centre will also offer education, training, advice, and support to enhance the acceptance and use of animal-free biomedical innovations. Combined, the CPBT will run an integrated program that accelerates the transition to animal-free testing and strengthens the Dutch economy.