Career
“I’ve never done it, so I probably can do it”: Martine van Vugt on jumping into the unknown, collective purpose and the legacy we leave behind
4 min read
When you imagine the next step in your career, what do you think of first: scientific excellence, meaningful public impact, international collaboration, or opportunities to grow? At the European Medicines Agency (EMA), you don’t have to choose. Here, all these elements come together to create a career that is both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.

EMA is at the heart of public health in the European Union. Our mission is clear and compelling: to evaluate and supervise medicines for human and veterinary use to ensure they are safe and effective for people and animals across Europe. The outcome of your work has the potential to influence the lives of millions of people. For talented professionals driven by purpose, EMA offers a uniquely impactful place to build a career.
EMA brings together experts from many fields: regulatory science, pharmacology, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, data science, veterinary science, clinical research and more. We work closely with national authorities, researchers, industry and patient organisations, providing a dynamic environment where scientific debate and collaborative thinking thrive.
Roles at EMA cover many aspects in the lifecycle of medicines, including:
Scientific assessment and product evaluation
Safety monitoring and risk management
Advanced therapies and innovation support
Data analytics and regulatory science
Veterinary medicines and One Health initiatives
Digital transformation and AI-driven regulatory approaches
For early career scientists, EMA offers exposure to advanced methodologies, diverse therapeutic areas and complex scientific questions. For experienced professionals, EMA provides the opportunity to shape regulatory science at European level and contribute to decisions with public health impact.
Working at EMA means contributing directly to public trust in medicines. Our scientific committees and multidisciplinary teams assess evidence rigorously, make informed recommendations and act quickly in the interest of patients.
Whether it is advancing treatments for rare diseases, supporting innovation in advanced therapies, reinforcing preparedness for health emergencies, or ensuring access to high quality medicines across Europe, our staff know that their work matters. This sense of purpose is one of the most valued aspects of EMA’s culture, consistently highlighted by employees across the Agency.
EMA is headquartered in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most vibrant and international cities. Our staff represent all EU and EEA countries and bring diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. English is our working language, and collaboration is at the core of how we operate.
Working at EMA means collaborating with colleagues across the Agency, but also with:
EU national competent authorities,
academic experts,
international regulators,
patient and healthcare professional organisations,
global scientific networks.
This creates a stimulating, intellectually rich workplace where learning never stops and every project broadens your perspective.
At EMA, your development is a priority. We provide:
Structured learning programmes tailored to scientific, regulatory, and transversal competencies.
Support for continuous professional development, conferences, and specialist training.
Opportunities for mobility within the Agency and across EU institutions.
Mentoring schemes, interagency exchanges, and job shadowing opportunities.
Whether you aim to deepen scientific expertise, broaden your skills and knowledge or develop new skills in regulatory science or digital innovation, EMA supports your path.
We understand that meaningful work must be balanced with wellbeing. EMA promotes a culture of respect, flexibility, and inclusion.
We offer:
Hybrid working arrangements
Attractive benefits and competitive European institution conditions
A supportive environment for families relocating to the Netherlands
A modern, sustainable workplace
Strong emphasis on mental health and work–life balance
We believe that people thrive when they feel supported - not only as professionals, but also as individuals.
Whether you are a scientist, a regulatory professional, or an IT, communications, HR or project management professional eager to contribute to public health, EMA offers a career where your expertise has real significance. You will engage with cutting edge science, collaborate with leading experts and help ensure that millions of citizens have access to safe and effective medicines.
At EMA, you won’t just find a job. You’ll find a mission of working for every patient in Europe.
If you want to work where science meets purpose, where your contribution has Europe-wide impact, and where your professional growth is supported every step of the way, come meet us at the BCF Career Event. We look forward to speaking with you about how you can shape the future of public health with us.