Trainee (Institutional and Policy department)
Selection procedure reference: EMA/TR/11412
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 Institutional and Policy Department.
Specific objectives and projects
Learning outcomes
The trainee is expected to:
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Develop knowledge of the EU regulatory framework applicable to EMA
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Learn more about the Agency’s cooperation with EU institutions and EU agencies
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Increase knowledge of new EU legal proposals relevant to EMA that are going through the legislative process
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Gain knowledge of EMA’s cooperation with national medicines agencies
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Gain experience in organising senior-level meetings (e.g. Management Board meetings, institutional visits)
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Gain experience working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for consideration for this placement, you are required to:
- enjoy full rights as a citizen of a European Union Member State or Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway;
- possess a university degree in public administration, political or social sciences (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.
- 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
Behavioural Competencies
You will demonstrate the following behavioural competencies:
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Working with others
- Adaptability
- Research and analytical skills
- Learning and development
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 |
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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.
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