Increasing access to medicines for patients: Developing a system to assess the feasibility and value of leads in drug repurposing.
Orfenix is a venture builder in the pharmaceutical industry, aiming to improve access to medicines for patients by changing the way we structure and finance drug development. We achieve our goals by actively setting up and managing (international) public-private partnerships of doctors, patients, (academic) medical centres, non-governmental organisations, pharmaceutical companies, contract-research organisations, and social investors.
In collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, Orfenix works on finding a potential treatment for precancerous mucosal changes, precursors of head and neck cancers. Drug repurposing has the potential to develop novel therapies in shorter time frames and reduced investment need, but there is a big challenge in early assessment of leads. To optimise the lead development, Orfenix and Amsterdam UMC are developing a system to assess the feasibility and value of the leads that follow in-vitro screening.
Your Role
In this internship, you will work on developing a system to assess the feasibility and value of leads more accurately for repurposing. You will do this by combining existing data sources and building novel decisions models for informed decision making. You will work closely with scientists, physicians and drug repurposing experts and combine their knowledge into a novel tool. During your internship:
- You will analyse key components that can be used to predict the feasibility and value of leads in drug repurposing.
- You will comprehend and analyse data related to drug development and drug repurposing.
- You will develop a system to analyse and archive available data.
- You will test the system in practice and support an informed decision in a real case of drug repurposing in the treatment of precancerous mucosal changes.
- You will deliver your findings and communicate your research in an effective way and draw conclusions together with the team.
- You will deliver a system that can be used for future drug repurposing projects.
Your profile
We are looking for a proactive student who wants to work on a challenging project with a lot of freedom and responsibilities:
- You are currently enrolled in a study in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Biology, or a comparable and relevant field.
- You have advanced analytical skills, prior experience with data analysis and programming, and a strong affinity with the use of AI.
- You have an affinity with medicines, drug development, clinical research, or pre-clinical research and an interest in business development within the pharmaceutical industry.
- You have strong sense of responsibility and can work independently as well as in a team.
- You want to learn as you go, you are curious, and you have a proactive attitude.
- You are fluent in English.
What do we offer?
- The opportunity to work on a multidisciplinary project, working at both Orfenix and Amsterdam UMC, interacting with various stakeholders including doctors, researchers, patients, other companies, and investors.
- The opportunity to develop an understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, academic and industrial collaborations, and start-up culture.
- An environment where you can grow and can continuously learn new skills.
- A healthy mix of personal responsibility and teamwork with supervision.
- An internship remuneration.
When to start?
The ideal candidate will start December 2025 or January 2026. Other starting dates can be discussed if needed. Preferably, the internship will be fulltime and will last a minimum of six months, the final timing can be arranged upon request.
More information and how to apply?
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call us at +31 (0)6 81433319 or email us at: info@orfenix.com.
Applications can be made by sending a CV and cover letter by November 9th to info@orfenix.com. Applicants can expect a follow up by November 14. Only full applications, with both CV and cover letter, will be considered.