Research in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences Leiden University

Overview

This specialisation offers research-orientated education in drug research hosted by the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR). Some groups focus on the discovery and characterization of new drug targets and safe and effective lead molecules, particularly in the field of cancer. Other groups develop specific drug delivery techniques, and new therapeutic approaches to treat immune-based disorders, e.g. atherosclerosis, metabolic disorders, inflammatory skin diseases. Other areas include metabolomics-driven health monitoring and systems biology, as well as precision medicine approaches to characterize and predict variation in treatment response and to enhance translational drug development strategies. Techniques range from advanced imaging techniques ('systems microscopy'), in vitro and in vivo model systems, organic synthesis, cutting-edge drug formulations, state-of-the-art analytical methods, molecular biology, quantitative pharmacology, and computational approaches. Placement in specific research groups may be restricted by available places.

What you will learn

This specialisation consists of compulsory and optional components. You will start with the Introduction Course Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences with specialisation in Systems Biomedicine and Pharmacology.

The major compulsory components are the two research projects, both of which include writing a master's thesis. The major research project must be in one of the research themes of the LACDR research cluster Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacology or at the Metabolomics and Analysis centre.

The minor research project is preferably conducted in a different discipline of Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPS). For the second research project you are advised to go abroad to gain international experience. Guidance and advice about studying abroad is provided by the International Office of the Faculty of Science.

Other compulsory components are: a literature study, including writing an essay or thesis, attending one advanced lecture series in disciplines of Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, attending the Scientific Conduct course, and attending at least ten colloquia presented by other master's students in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences.

In addition, students are required to complete a portfolio on advanced academic skills and career orientation by attending symposia, workshops and career events. For the optional component, the Master's students can choose from additional courses or work placements.

Career prospects

Students are trained for a research career in drug research and development, not for a career as a (public) pharmacist. Most graduates proceed to a PhD training at Leiden University or another university. Graduates from the LACDR are in great demand in the pharmaceutical industry and in other research institutes. An extensive worldwide network of research contacts allows students to obtain research experience abroad during their MSc or PhD studies.

Examples of jobs

• PhD
• Clinical Trial Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Medical Liaison
• Regulatory Affairs Officer
• Quality Assurance Specialist
• Consultant
• Chemistry Teacher

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.