Validation Engineer - Research Equipment

This position is only open to candidates who are currently residing in the Netherlands. Applications from candidates living outside the Netherlands will not be considered.

About the role

As a Validation Engineer, you will support validation processes for research equipment, including both off-the-shelf and in-house-developed equipment. You will be responsible for managing validation projects, including the development of validation plans and supporting the development of relevant validation documentation. You ensure that the equipment is thoroughly assessed and that it meets the required quality standards. You will contribute to the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, compliance, and efficient workflows. In addition, you will perform Quality Control activities on relevant processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and helping to maintain the high standards of CHDR’s research environment. Specifically, you will be responsible for:

Preparing and maintaining validation plans for new or modified research equipment.
Supporting the definition of User Requirement Specifications (URS) and translating them into qualification protocols (IQ, OQ, and PQ).
Coordinating and supporting equipment qualification, assessment, and configuration activities.
Maintaining relevant SOPs and validation documentation and contributing to continuous improvement of validation processes.
Collaborating with researchers, engineers, users, Quality Assurance, and technical support to ensure compliance with GMP regulatory standards.

This is how CHDR supports you

At CHDR, you will receive a one-year contract for a minimum of 32 hours per week, with the possibility of a permanent position. You will work in a varied role within a professional and growing organisation, with plenty of opportunity to contribute your ideas. The main employment benefits (based on a 40-hour working week) include:

A salary between €3,990 and €5,755, depending on your experience;
A solid pension scheme through the ABP pension fund, 8% holiday allowance, and an end-of-year bonus ranging from a minimum of 3.8% up to a maximum of 12%, depending on the organisation’s results;
25 vacation days per year, plus one Diversity Day;
Opportunities for personal development through training programmes and certifications;
CHDR is easily accessible, with Leiden Central Station just a 10-minute walk away. Your public transport costs will be reimbursed up to 100%, and you have the option to purchase an (electric) bicycle at a discounted rate.

CHDR also contributes to a pleasant working environment by organising Friday afternoon drinks, an annual Christmas dinner, and a team outing to the Ardennes, which further strengthens the connection between colleagues. In addition, CHDR provides free access to OpenUp, an online platform focused on mental health, resilience, and personal development, offering masterclasses, group sessions, and one-on-one coaching conversations. This service is also available to family members.

What you bring to CHDR

We are looking for a disciplined and detail-oriented Validation Engineer who can plan and organise work effectively while managing multiple priorities. You have strong problem-solving skills and enjoy identifying practical, well-founded solutions to technical challenges. You remain calm and focused under pressure, enabling you to deliver high-quality work even in demanding situations. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, you ensure that validation activities are carried out thoroughly, consistently, and in compliance with applicable quality standards. Additionally, you bring:

Bachelor’s degree level or equivalent professional experience.
Knowledge of and experience in GxP and GAMP5.
Up-to-date knowledge of Good Clinical Practice and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Affinity with research equipment.
Strong general computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to create and maintain clear, accurate, and consistently formatted technical documentation.
Automation, scripting, or programming skills are useful, but not required.
Fluent in English.

About CHDR

The Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) is a foundation located in the Leiden Bio Science Park. Since its establishment in 1987, CHDR has grown into an innovative institute specialising in clinical drug development. Each year, we conduct dozens of studies involving healthy volunteers and patients. We work closely with university medical centres, major hospitals, and scientists from around the world. Together, we do this with a team of approximately 300 permanent colleagues. In addition, more than 100 students work with us each year to gain valuable experience and contribute to our research.

Interested?

Click the green “Apply” button and send us your CV and motivation letter. Our HR team will contact you as soon as possible. If your profile is a good match, you may be invited for two interviews. Between the interviews, an online assessment may take place, allowing us to jointly explore whether this role is the right fit for you. Finally, we may ask for two references to gain a complete understanding of your experience and qualities. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Robert-Jan Doll (Associate Director) at RjDoll@chdr.nl.

Due to the holiday period, our recruitment process may take slightly longer than usual. We believe it is important to be transparent about this. The first interviews are scheduled for the week of September 21.

We appreciate your understanding and encourage you not to hesitate to apply. We look forward to receiving your application!