For the Virology and Molecular Biology department at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad, we currently have a vacancy for a Project Leader/Researcher in the field of viral animal diseases, specifically Avian Influenza (AI) and Newcastle Disease (ND).

Animal diseases have a significant impact on livestock farming and the export of the Netherlands. Prevention and control of these diseases are crucial, and you can contribute to that! Are you the specialist ready to respond during crises, handle inquiries from the Ministry, and coordinate diagnostics? The specialist who leads the team focusing on avian flu, Newcastle Disease, and related research? Are you interested in research aimed at controlling infectious animal diseases and do you have experience in virological and diagnostic research? Then read on and apply quickly!

Your tasks:
As a Project Leader/Researcher, you will function as an expert on animal diseases, specifically Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, and you will be ultimately responsible for conducting the relevant diagnostics. You will lead a research group (approximately six people) that keeps the expertise on AI and ND diagnostics and control up to date. You will provide both solicited and unsolicited advice to the government on the prevention and control of AI and ND, stand ready during crises, and build a (inter)national network within your area of expertise.
You will also work on scientific entrepreneurship within WBVR, initiating new (inter)national collaborations and projects.

You will be part of the team responsible for on-call services. This means being available 24/7 for 5-6 weeks per year. In case of suspicion, you will conduct tests in the lab with a small team.

In summary, you will be:

• project leader/animal disease expert in Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease;
• head of the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease;
• responsible for coordinating, conducting, and analyzing diagnostic and virological research;
• an expert advising the government on controlling Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease;
• responsible for initiating and acquiring new research projects;
• responsible for publishing results in reports and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

You have:

• a completed university degree in one of the Life Sciences or as a veterinarian, and a PhD in a virological subject;
• a proactive and entrepreneurial attitude;
• good organizational skills;
• strong verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.

You value good teamwork, motivate your colleagues, give trust, and are able to initiate and strengthen external collaborations.

Part of the work will take place in facilities where additional quarantine restrictions apply (based on EU regulations). This means you are not allowed to keep cloven-hoofed animals and cannot have contact with such animals or visit poultry production sites for 72 hours after work.

In our international working environment, communication is increasingly done in English. For this role, a C1 language level is required. If you do not yet meet this level, we will of course help you, and you can take advantage of our language center Wageningen in'to Language.

You will work here:
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) is a leading research institute in animal and public health. WBVR’s unique selling point lies in its interdisciplinary approach to research and its focus on innovative solutions to complex problems in these fields.

WBVR occupies a unique position in the Netherlands, being the only research institute authorized to work with most animal viruses and bacteria up to vBSL4 (vDM4) level, such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever, in laboratories and animal facilities that can house large livestock (e.g., cattle) and small rodents. Additionally, there are facilities for research and animal experiments with BLS3 pathogens, such as avian flu and Coxiella. Various experts in specific pathogens, host responses, bioinformatics, pathology, epidemiology, and diagnostics enable WBVR to work towards the institute’s mission and vision.
WBVR contributes to a society where animals and humans lead healthy lives by conducting scientific research aimed at preventing the spread of animal diseases and promoting health.

WBVR adds value to the agricultural and life sciences value chains through contract research, R&D, and statutory research tasks. We serve the interests of the Dutch agri-food sector, (veterinary) public health, and the life sciences and health sectors. As a contract research organization, we focus on market demand in animal and human life sciences.

WBVR’s focus areas:

1. Healthy livestock;
2. One Health;
3. High-tech animal models.

At Wageningen University & Research, you can expect excellent working conditions. Some highlights from our collective labor agreement include:

• flexible working hours, allowing an optimal balance between work and personal life;
• the possibility of building up extra compensatory hours by working more;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• an excellent pension plan via ABP.

Along with these outstanding secondary employment conditions, we also offer a competitive salary. Depending on your experience, the salary ranges from a minimum of €3,830 to a maximum of €6,763 for a full-time workweek of 36 hours, in accordance with the Wageningen Research CLA (scale 11-12).

Initially, we offer a one-year contract, which can be extended upon mutual agreement. We are happy to discuss any questions you may have about this.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal career development and mobility through an internal recruitment policy. We offer ample opportunities for personal initiative in a learning environment, with excellent training options. You will have a varied role in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.