Two PhD s European Fair Pricing Network

Function description

The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) is an independent research institute located in Amsterdam covering all major areas of molecular and cellular cancer biology, with special emphasis on immunology, cancer cell biology and translational research. Increasingly health technology assessment (HTA) and health economic studies are performed in early stages of research that can lead to clinical innovations or improved access to innovative cancer treatment. The Netherlands Cancer Institute and the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital form a Comprehensive Cancer Centre, combining a research laboratory and a hospital under one roof in a single, independent organization

Two PhD positions fulltime on site "European Fair Pricing Network"

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)

Job requirements

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 Position1 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.

Compensation

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

How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit an electronic copy of their CV, along with a cover letter detailing their motivation, educational background, research experience, and project of interest (PhD1 or 2). If possible, names and contact information of two referents should be provided

For further information, please visit the website of the research group of Prof. Retel & van Harten, or contact Dr. Nora Franzen via email ([email protected]). Applications can be submitted online via the NKI portal (http://www.nki.nl/working-at-the-nki/)

The deadline for submissions is 13/05/2024. Those candidates that are selected for an interview will receive more extensive project descriptions

The NKI values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that stimulates the best in each individual. Applications of all individuals are welcomed regardless of age, ancestry, religion, disability, distance from the labor market, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Details

• Closing date: 13-05-2024
• Hours per week: 36
• Salary level: Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals

Mylene van der Velden

[email protected]

Valesca Retel

Postdoc Health Economics 31 20 5126197 [email protected]