Vacancy on In Silico Medicine Policy Landscape & Regulatory Science

VPH – The Society for In Silico Medicine is looking for a highly motivated postdoc with a background in computer modelling and simulation, digital twins, artificial intelligence, health data, or a related field, and a strong interest in the translation of in silico technologies into healthcare. Experience in regulatory science or policy is not required, although a basic understanding of the regulatory and policy landscape for digital health, real-world data, and health technologies is an advantage.

About VPH – The Society for In Silico Medicine

VPH – The Society for In Silico Medicine is an international scientific community dedicated to advancing in silico medicine worldwide. In silico medicine uses patient-specific computer modelling and simulation to support and improve all aspects of healthcare, from prevention, diagnosis and prognosis to treatment, as well as the design and development of biomedical products (devices, pharma, biotech). As an ecosystem organisation, VPH brings together scientists, industry, healthcare providers, patients, regulators and policymakers to accelerate the development, validation and adoption of computer models in healthcare for the benefit of patients and society.

VPH acts as a think tank and a voice for the scientific community, advising and supporting governmental and non-governmental organisations on healthcare research and innovation programmes. We actively contribute to public consultations on policies and legislation, participate in high-level policy events with key decision-makers, and support grassroots initiatives aimed at developing standards, guidelines and good practices for the field. VPH is also a subcontracting partner in the implementation of the Virtual Human Twins (VHT) Advanced Simulation Platform of the European Commission and we contribute to the strategic alignment of EC funded project outcomes with the VHT infrastructure, fostering interoperability.

The opportunity

Following an initial period of training and integration into the VPH team, you will be expected to contribute to, and potentially take the lead on, one or more of the activities listed below. This is not a technology development role, rather, you will use your scientific background to help shape the policies, standards, strategies and frameworks that will support the responsible development and uptake of in silico medicine in research and clinical practice. The position offers an opportunity to work at the interface of science, technology, healthcare, industry, regulation and European policy, and the broader society to engage directly with a diverse international stakeholder community, including clinical societies, patient organisations and industry alliances (medtech, pharma and biotech).

Main responsibilities

• Contribute to European Commission-funded projects, by co-writing new Research & Innovation project proposals and by managing timely delivery of project outcomes, tasks and reporting.
• Represent VPH and EU projects at international conferences and healthcare/policy events.
• Contribute to public consultations, policy documents, white papers and position papers.
• Contribute to regulatory guidance, standards and good practices for in silico medicine.
• Participate in think-tank activities on model and data repositories, validation, interoperability and access frameworks.
• Engage with researchers, industry, healthcare professionals, patients, regulators and policymakers.

Candidate profile

We are looking for a scientifically strong and highly motivated candidate who is interested in moving beyond research and technical development, to shape the translation and adoption of emerging technologies in healthcare. In return, the role offers opportunity to evolve professionally by building competencies in project management, cross-sectoral collaboration, while serving as an ecosystem actor transforming healthcare innovations to reach clinicians patients and citizens.

Expected qualifications

• PhD in biomedical engineering with a focus on computational biology, modelling and simulation, digital health, biomedical sciences, computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), health data science, or another relevant topics. People with equivalent expertise (without PhD) are welcome to apply too.
• Basic knowledge or interest in the standards, regulatory science and policy landscape surrounding digital health, AI, real-world data and/or healthcare technologies is an advantage.

Required skills and attributes

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong scientific and analytical skills, with the ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and manage multiple activities and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary and multicultural environment with different stakeholder groups.
• Interest in European research, innovation, regulatory and healthcare policy.

Place of work: Leuven (Belgium) on site with possibility of smart working

Salary: Successful candidates will be offered up to 24 months full-time employment (in year contracts), with a monthly salary aligned with university barema (depending on experience, seniority and family situation) including benefits like holiday and vacation pay, and with the possibility of extension based on budget availability. Belgium offers universal health care, subsidized day care, a high standard of living and a vibrant cultural life. Belgium is at the heart of Europe, with fast connections to all major foreign cities.

Application deadline: as soon as possible

How to apply:

Send a CV, cover letter (detailing your relevant experience) and contact details of 2 references to Martina Contin and Liesbet Geris  using ‘VPH Policy Landscape & Regulatory Science vacancy’ as title of the email.