PhD: responsible biomedical innovation and transition to animal-free research

At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development we are looking for a PhD researcher who is eager to engage in a transdisciplinary project, focused on contributing to biomedical translation and the transition to animal-free research and innovation. As an ideal candidate you have a background in innovation or transition studies, science and technology studies or a related social science discipline. The PhD position is embedded in the Ombion-Centrum voor Proefdiervrije Biomedische Translatie (CPBT) project.

Your job
The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is looking for a PhD candidate who would like to join our team working - in co-creation with partners in the field - on responsible research and innovation in the biomedical domain. The vacancy is part of the National Growth Fund programme “Ombion-CPBT”, which is a national centre for valorizing and disseminating animal-free innovations and expertise in the biomedical domain.

The PhD project brings together expertise on transition management and Science and Technology Studies (STS). The main goal is to further co-develop with the field hands-on methods to support the responsible, societally and ethically aligned advancement of animal-free technologies for biomedical translation and risk assessment.

As a successful applicant, you will work within and in interaction with the Ombion-CPBT project. You will collect, develop and pilot aforementioned methods, in collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, including biomedical researchers, patient representatives, model developers, industry partners and others. The aim is to strengthen their capacity to put responsible research and innovation into practice in biomedical translation and transitioning towards animal-free research and innovation. This requires, among others, research on and better understanding of ethical and value considerations, systemic contexts, new modes of collaboration and a focus on long-term impacts and value for society. The animal-free biomedical translation centre provides an excellent context for further developing and testing these responsible research and innovation methods iteratively and contributing to innovation and transition in action.

Next to working in the context of the larger Ombion-CPBT project, as a PhD researcher you will have the opportunity to acquire and develop reflexive, participatory and transdisciplinary research skills. You will be part of a vibrant and supportive interdisciplinary, international community at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. There are also opportunities to enroll in the graduate training programme of e.g. the Netherlands Graduate Research School of Science, Technology, and Modern Culture (WTMC), the Sustainability Transitions Research Network (STRN) or the European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation (EUSPRI).

We are looking for you if you:

• are motivated and goal-oriented, independent and eager to engage in inter- and transdisciplinary research.
• hold a Master’s degree or are about to finish a Master in relevant fields such as science and technology studies (STS), transition studies, innovation studies, or a related social science discipline. Candidates with a health or life-sciences background and substantial training in technology and society or policy and management are also encouraged to apply.
• have expertise and skills in qualitative, empirical research, and in co-creation methods (or you have a strong interest in these).
• have sharp analytical skills and can demonstrate a combination of excellent research and organisation skills.
• have excellent writing and communication skills in English, demonstrated through a writing example such as your Master’s thesis.
• can communicate effectively with various stakeholders (including the wider network in the biomedical domain and animal-free testing, such as developers and researchers, as well as societal and policy actors).
• are willing to acquire new skills required for the research of the PhD project.

We offer:

• a position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of 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.

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.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The position is embedded within the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, in the Innovation Studies group, alongside a substantial team working on responsible innovation in the field of health and life sciences innovation. The Copernicus Institute is the scientific institute for sustainability research and teaching of Utrecht University. The core mission of the Copernicus Institute is to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable society. This includes contributing to better health and well-being

Project description
Ombion- CPBT is a national centre for valorizing 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, Ombion-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. Ombion-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, Ombion-CPBT will run an integrated program that accelerates the transition to animal-free testing and strengthens the Dutch economy.

For more information about this position, please contact Susan van Hees via s.v.vanhees@uu.nl or Jarno Hoekman via j.hoekman@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.