Help shape the future of biomedical innovation at the Ombion Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (Ombion CPBT). In this role, you will investigate how knowledge flows between researchers, companies, and regulators, and develop practical tools and strategies to accelerate the shift toward animal-free methods. Your work will combine advanced quantitative and qualitative research, systematic network analysis, and the design of educational and communication models that empower professionals to implement new approaches in their fields.
Your job
The Netherlands is poised to lead the transition to animal-free biomedical innovation by establishing the Ombion Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (Ombion CPBT). Our goal is to improve biomedical translation processes while making them animal-free. This will accelerate the development of new medicines, medical devices, and food ingredients that enhance human health, by replacing animal testing, which is often inaccurate and costly.
This process is long, expensive, and high-risk, with animal testing traditionally used to predict efficacy and safety for humans. However, animal experiments often fail to provide accurate predictions, leading to substantial investments in clinical testing for products that ultimately do not succeed, while also causing animal suffering. Despite these shortcomings, the use of animal testing remains widespread due to several key factors:
- animal testing is still regarded as the 'gold standard';
- many alternatives have not yet been validated and/or accepted;
- developing alternative methods requires large investments, with uncertain returns; and
- there is a lack of strong leadership to drive change in this polarised field.
Ombion CPBT is a national centre with a unique infrastructure at Utrecht Science Park. We develop and valorise animal-free innovations and expertise. The CPBT operates through four key pillars:
- transition projects to prove that the transition to animal-free biomedical translation is effective and feasible, and to develop knowledge and methods;
- propositions to advise, train and assist stakeholders in making the transition and adopting animal-free methods;
- additional expertise development to strengthen the propositions;
- spin-out activities to create business opportunities that commercialise biomedical innovations and solutions for animal-free translation internationally.
As a PhD candidate in this project, you will be at the intersection of science and practice, contributing to both theoretical and applied research. Your focus will be on optimising the exchange of information and enhancing the absorptive capacity (i.e., the ability to recognise the value of external knowledge, assimilate it, and effectively use it in organisational routines and processes) of participating organisations.
Your key tasks include:
- analysing market trends and developing strategic planning for knowledge exchange;
- setting up an intensive longitudinal study and conducting systematic network analysis to track information flow within the CPBT community;
- developing actionable tools and insights to enhance knowledge exchange and improve organisational absorptive capacity;
- designing and piloting educational and communication models for professionals, providing them with the skills to implement animal-free research and innovation in their fields;
- research on these educational and communication models.
You will work independently on your research while maintaining strong collaborations with other researchers and key stakeholders, including small and medium-sized enterprises and regulatory partners. You will report and present your findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences through scientific conferences, journal publications, and Ombion CPBT meetings. As part of a larger multidisciplinary research team, you will collaborate with other PhD candidates, postdocs, senior researchers from various Dutch universities, and in particular with the communication team of Ombion CPBT.
Throughout this PhD, you will gain a strong foundation in advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will also deepen your understanding of interorganisational collaboration, collaborative innovation, and knowledge-sharing processes within and between organisations.
Your qualities
- You have a Master's degree in life sciences and/or science communication.
- You have a strong affinity with the theme of animal-free innovation.
Our offer
- An employment contract for 12 months with the prospect of an extension to a total of four years;
- a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (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 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. 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.
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.
The faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, researchers are also working together on innovative scientific research. Furthermore the faculty delivers expert clinical care at the University Animal Hospital. Thanks to this position, the faculty is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students.
Our research and teaching work is inspired by the principles of the transition to animal-free innovation. We focus on better science (education and research) with fewer laboratory animals. We are part of the Ombion Centre for animal-free biomedical translation.
Our team is multidisciplinary and international and consists of lecturers, researchers, educationalists, and communication experts from the public and private sector. You will find the opportunity to find your true inspiration and discover and develop your talent in an academic environment that is closely linked to professionals.
More information
For more information, please contact Professor Daniela Salvatori at D.Salvatori@uu.nl.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
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.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.