Assistant Professor in Advanced Therapies

Join the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences as Assistant Professor in Advanced Therapies, with a focus on cell and gene therapies. This exciting opportunity involves a multifaceted role at the intersection of academia and practice, focusing on the development, teaching, and research of innovative advanced therapies. Become part of a dynamic, committed team shaping the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and making a meaningful impact in Advanced Therapies.

Your job
As Assistant Professor in Advanced Therapies, you will drive innovation in cell and gene therapies through research, education, and the integration of clinical product development into academic research.

Research: Your role involves leading a small research team dedicated to explore novel methods for the production and advancement of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). These include:

• pharmaceutical formulation development;
• development of analytical assays;
• manufacturing process development;
• setting up a quality control framework for the above.

You will foster a collaborative and innovative research environment that encourages breakthrough discoveries and advancements in the field.

Education (30%): You will be involved in education of pharmacy students and students in the drug innovation programme of the master Biosciences of the Graduate School of Life Sciences. You will teach in courses related to your expertise and will help in developing ATMP-related educational materials for the Pharmacy curriculum. Additionally, you provide high-quality and impactful instruction, mentorship, and guidance to students interested in ATMPs. You will be supported to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ).

Clinical product development: A key aspect of your contribution will be bringing practical experience in ATMP manufacturing into the research environment, leveraging insights from industry best practices. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (e.g. Oncode accelerator, iCAT, DARE-NL) to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application in ATMP development.

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage a research team.
• Demonstrated expertise in ATMPs, including gene therapy & cell therapy,
• Proven track record of successful research projects and publications in ATMP-related areas.
• Practical experience in ATMP manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience in teaching at the university level.
• As we collaborate closely with the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), we ask for willingness to work at two different locations, namely Utrecht University and the NKI in Amsterdam

We especially invite you to apply if you bring real-world practical experience in ATMP manufacturing gained through previous roles in industry or academic hospitals.

• An appointment as Assistant Professor, starting with a fixed term contract. Following a positive evaluation after 18 months, this will be converted in a permanent contract;
• the opportunity and guidance to develop yourself both professionally and personally;
• a gross monthly salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - between €4,537 and €6,209 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 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 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.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

You will join the Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Delivery group of Prof. dr. Enrico Mastrobattista .The group is embedded in the Pharmaceutics division of the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS). The UIPS is the research institute of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Furthermore, you will spend considerable time (on average 1 day/week) in the Biotherapeutics Unit of dr. Bastiaan Nuijen at the Dutch Cancer Institute in Amsterdam.