Scientific Program Officer for the Utrecht-Advanced In vitro Models hub (U-AIM): coordinator/manager, first point of contact.

U-AIM is a multidisciplinary hub dedicated to forward the development of innovative in vitro models; this will lead to better science and the replacement of animal models by advanced in vitro alternatives such as organoids, Organ-on-Chip and genetically modified (humanized) cell lines. Such methods have major potential to improve drug discovery, safety testing (chemicals/pharmaceuticals) and efficacy testing (pharmaceuticals only) by providing enhanced predictivity for the human situation compared to animal studies. This is for instance due to the use of cells of human origin; the possibility to grow mini-organs (organoids) from various sources of stem cells (especially iPSC or adult stem cells); the possibility to mimic vasculature with microfluidic technology (Organ-on-Chip); the possibility to use cells of individual patients in such advanced in vitro methods (personalised medicine); the possibility to combine various in vitro organ models (e.g. Human-on-Chip, Body-on-Chip); and the combination with advanced in silico models employing artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms. At U-AIM, we pursue all of these promising techniques; we have a rapidly growing portfolio of dozens of such models; our activities include development, validation, implementation and valorization of advanced models.

Background: European-registered toxicologist (ERT) with previous experience in the fields of Inhalation Toxicology, (Nano-)Particle Toxicology, Genetic Toxicology, Oral Toxicology, Radiation Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology/Vaccine Safety. Has (co-)authored 20+ full papers and book chapters (with several more submitted or in an advanced stage of preparation). Besides working in academia, I have experience as an in vitro and in vivo GLP Study Director, project manager and toxicological consultant at a contract research organisation (CRO).

Whether you are a regulator, researcher or have an industry background, you are very welcome to to contact me via:

Phone nr.: 06-38066527

Email address: d.vanberlo@uu.nl