Trainee programme

The European Medicines Agency operates a trainee programme.

The programme gives trainees an understanding of the Agency and its role within the activities of the European Union (EU). It also provides professional experience in a working environment.

Eligibility

The trainee programme is aimed at university graduates and at people at the beginning of a new professional career.

Successful candidates will typically have a background relating to the activities of the Agency, such as:

• pharmacy;
• medicine;
• life sciences;
• healthcare;
• chemistry;
• information technology.

The Agency also welcomes applications from qualified lawyers with an interest in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs and recently qualified candidates with an interest in human resources, budget and accounts. Candidates with a background in communications, public relations or the web can also apply, as well as people with a background in library and information science.

Trainees must be nationals of an EU Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, or of a candidate country benefiting from a pre-accession strategy.

Minimum requirements

• Possession of a university degree or equivalent at the time of applying
• A good command of English and one or more other official EU languages

Application process

Interested candidates can apply for the next intake by completing the application form:

• Traineeship programme 2012 - Application form

The Agency receives around 1400 traineeship applications per year. Around 40 candidates are offered a placement.

Unfortunately, the Agency is unable to reply to unsuccessful candidates. Unsuccessful candidates can apply again in the future by completing a new application form.

Timing

There is one traineeship intake per year starting in October. Earlier or later start dates are not possible. Placements are for between six and nine months.

Training grant

The Agency pays a maintenance grant of £1350 net per month.

It also pays a travel allowance to compensate for moving and other costs at the start and end of the traineeship.