The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is looking for an excellent, motivated and goal-oriented Postdoctoral Researcher with a background in Science and Technology Studies (STS) and/or Innovation Studies. It will be the Postdoc's  primary task to contribute to the international research project SPIN - Social Pharmaceutical Innovation for Unmet Medical Needs, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) under the Trans-Atlantic Platform programme. The project brings together teams from Canada, Brazil, France and the Netherlands with longstanding expertise in social aspects of pharmaceutical innovation.

The SPIN project will provide much needed insights into novel models of pharmaceutical research and development that seek to address health inequalities and vulnerabilities related to rare diseases and other unmet medical needs. Examples of such novel models are R&D partnerships, alternative forms of provision and licensing, and alternative regulatory frameworks for coverage.

As a Postdoc in the project you will conduct cross-national comparative research on different kinds of social pharmaceutical innovations to understand how they address unmet medical needs. You will study the medical, social, economic, political, and regulatory contexts that shape these initiatives and work closely with stakeholders directly involved in the initiatives to evaluate and disseminate their experiences. The project provides a unique opportunity to study novel innovation models and institutional frames in the pharmaceutical and medical sector and work with a broad range of stakeholders and end users, in the Netherlands and other transatlantic partner countries.

The project will use qualitative and participative research methods to document various social pharmaceutical innovation models. Multiple case studies will be conducted using document analysis, interviews and participative stakeholder workshops to explore social pharmaceutical innovation models. The results are compared with the other research teams abroad and are actively disseminated in relevant national and international fora.

The ideal candidate thrives in international and multidisciplinary environments, communicates effectively with various stakeholders and possesses sharp analytical skills. Specifically, the position requires:

• a thorough basis (proven by a PhD) in Science and Technology Studies, Innovation Studies, Medical Sociology, Global Health or a related discipline;
• affinity with pharmaceutical or health innovation processes and models;
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
• the ability to work in a self-propelled manner in large interdisciplinary and international teams;
• experience with qualitative research methods.

We offer a position (1.0 FTE) for two years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,709 and €4,274 (scale 10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

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 societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University has been ranked in the 2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities as the best university in the Netherlands, and as one of the leading research universities in Europe. Utrecht University's sustainability research has the greatest citation impact worldwide according to a study conducted by Times Higher Education (2016). The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the Netherlands.

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.