Selection procedure reference: EMA/TR/11373
Deadline for applications: 06 May 2026 23:59 CET
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralised agency of the European Union (EU), located in Amsterdam. It began operating in 1995. It is responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines in the EU.
This traineeship opportunity is now open for applications until 06 May 2026 23:59 CET, with an intake on 1 October 2026.
About the traineeship programme
The Agency is looking for motivated, qualified recent graduates or students on an Erasmus+ or other programme or PhD students or Master's students (who posses a previous degree), who are interested in gaining experience and contribute to the Agency’s work for every patient in Europe. The purpose of a traineeship at the Agency is to perform tasks that are predominantly in the interest of the trainee’s training and principally serve to increase the trainee’s knowledge and to gain relevant experience.
Placement description
We are looking for a trainee in the Therapeutic Areas Department.
Specific objectives and projects
1) Building a Geriatric network database
Older people (≥65 years) represent an increasing share of the European population and are expected to make up around 30% of all Europeans by 2050.
One of the main pillars of the EMA Geriatric Medicines Strategy is to ensure that medicines used by geriatric patients are of high quality and appropriately researched and evaluated throughout the lifecycle of the product for use in this population. This reflects the EMA Mission Statement, the EU Clinical Trials Regulation and ICH E7 and its Q&A guidelines.
However, the underrepresentation of older people in clinical trials for diseases that frequently occur in older age remains a recognised global issue. Various barriers contribute to this situation (as explored in the EU-funded PREDICT trial – Participation of the Elderly in Clinical Trials). Some barriers from the developers’ side, such as the need for geriatric expertise and considerations related to safety and trial design complexity, could be mitigated if a searchable database were available to identify institutions with geriatric expertise.
A searchable expertise database already exists for paediatric drug development and is actively used (Enpr-EMA). A similar list of geriatric institutions could facilitate research and development by connecting geriatricians, patient organisations, research networks, investigators and centres with geriatric expertise.
2) Analysis of centrally authorised medicines for diseases highly prevalent in older age
a) Analysis of risk management plans (RMPs)
Risk management plans will be analysed to explore which of them specify the older population in safety concerns (e.g. important identified risks, potential risks or missing information). The analysis will also assess whether these RMPs include post-authorisation studies specifically addressing older patients. These results will be compared with the information available in European public assessment reports and in the product information.
b) Analysis of dosing information (as reflected in product information)
The analysis will assess what information is included in the “Special populations” subsection regarding the need for dose adjustments in older patients. This will be reviewed case by case in the context of relevant discussions in European public assessment reports and relevant EMA and scientific society guidelines.
Learning outcomes
Through this work, the trainee will
gain experience in working on multidisciplinary projects;
develop practical skills in analysing regulatory and clinical safety data, identifying trends and contributing to evidence-based decision-making;
work in an international environment, collaborating with experts across regulatory and scientific fields;
become familiar with Agency processes and regulatory practices related to the geriatric medicines strategy;
develop skills in qualitative analysis, communication and project management;
contribute to work that may support scientific publication(s).
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for consideration for this placement, you are required to:
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enjoy full rights as a citizen of a European Union Member State or Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway;
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possess a university degree in medicine, pharmacy or life science (minimum of three years or more) that must have been obtained between 6 May 2025 and 6 May 2026 or be a university student on an Erasmus + or a similar programme or a PhD student or a Master's student with a previous fully finished degree in the areas mentioned before.
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a thorough knowledge of English (at least level C1) and good knowledge of other official EU language (at least B2) of the Common European Framework for Languages
For criteria 1 and 2, you will be required to provide proof in the application form and at the interview stage. Failing to present these documents may result in the disqualification from the procedure.
Additional skills
Analytical skills, communication skills, proficient in using IT applications.
Considered beneficial: scientific writing, understanding of clinical safety, pharmacology, geriatric population specifics, pharmacovigilance, European public assessment reports (including Assessment reports, Product information, Risk management plans).
Behavioural Competencies
You will demonstrate the following behavioural competencies:
Conditions of traineeship
The traineeship is offered for 10 months (1 October 2026 – 31 July 2027) and takes place at the Agency’s premises in Amsterdam with possibility for teleworking up to 40% of working time from The Netherlands and occasional teleworking from outside The Netherlands. Traineeships are offered for either full-time or part-time (80% or 50%) if combined with university studies.
The Agency pays a monthly stipend of €2,049.77 for a full-time traineeship (reduced accordingly for 80% or 50%) and a travel contribution upon joining the Agency.
Each trainee will have a mentor at the Agency who will guide the trainee through the programme.
The conditions of employment are stated in the Executive Decision on rules governing the traineeship programme at the EMA available here .
Expected selection timelines
Deadline for applications
06 May 2026 23:59 CET
Assessments (remote)
From mid-June 2026 to mid-July 2026
Decision and offers
By end of July 2026
Placement start
1 October 2026
Domenico Scarlattilaan 6 - 1083 HS Amsterdam - The Netherlands
Telephone +31 (0)88 781 6000 - Email recruitment@ema.europa.eu
© European Medicines Agency, 2024. Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.