About the EFPN

The European Fair Pricing Network (EFPN) is founded by Cancer Charities from over 10 European countries and is established to research and advocate to achieve transparency, fair prices, and equal and swift access to medicines. The EFPN aims for a Europe where every patient living with cancer has timely and equitable access to all effective medicines at fair prices. We want sustainable health care systems with transparency on pharmaceutical reimbursement decisions, pricing, prices, and R&D costs that swiftly deliver and develop the right treatments for patients.

The EFPN combines research and advocacy. Research and reliable European data are needed to measure problems and challenges in the current pharma markets, and to learn and develop new ways of organizing innovation and supply of effective cancer medicines.

Prof Van Harten & Retèl research group

The PhD positions are located at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and supervised by- and embedded in the Van Harten & Retèl research group. This research group has a focus on health economics, health service research, and early stage technology assessment. It creates evidence by using comprehensive assessments and innovative modelling techniques for informed decision making regarding new and existing (complex) technologies in oncology. It works in close cooperation with the working group on health economics of the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI).

About the research

We are seeking two passionate and driven PhD candidates to join our dynamic research team full time and on location in Amsterdam in July 2024. The successful applicants will play a pivotal role in executing the EFPN’s research agenda. The EFPN emphasises collaborative research and advocacy. Hence, a strong focus is the continuous building and maintaining of our network across European countries.

PhD Position 1: Comprehensive Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Market

This PhD position aims to advance transparency within the pharmaceutical market, with a particular focus on oncology. The candidate will contribute to the development, validation, and application of a Transparency and Equity Index, tailored to promote transparency and equity in pharmaceutical practices. Projects will involve creating instruments and initiatives for measuring transparency across the value chain, constructing a comprehensive index specific to oncology, validating the index, and exploring the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance transparency in oncology.

PhD Position 2: Affordable Pricing and Transparent R&D Costs

This PhD position focuses on strategies to achieve affordable prices for pharmaceuticals and increase transparency in research and development (R&D) costs. The candidate will conduct real-life field experiments, develop innovative business models, and establish transparent R&D practices. Projects will involve identifying innovative factors to improve bargaining power, conducting real-life experiments on bargaining strategies, developing business models for not-for-profit clinical trials, and investigating transparency in publicly funded R&D initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

Ideal candidates will possess a Master's degree in economics, health economics, pharmaco-economics, health services research, international public health, or a related field, coupled with a demonstrable interest in health economics and cancer drug access. Prior experience in research and publication is advantageous, alongside proficiency in English communication and writing skills. Fluency or proficiency in other European languages is considered a strong asset.

For Position 1 experience in data management and the use of AI is beneficial

For Position 2 experience or training in negotiation-dynamics and/or alternative business models for drug development can be beneficial.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The temporary employment will be for a period of 4 years starting form 01/07/2024. The gross salary per month will be from €3.523, - and max €4.277, - according to the standard (100%) PhD candidate scales. The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals).

This full-time position offers a unique opportunity for professional development, enabling the candidate to forge valuable connections within the healthcare policy and research community across European countries.