Join our cutting-edge research team as we dive into the ever-evolving world of H5Nx viruses, especially H5N1, across Southeast Asia. We’re looking for someone passionate about understanding how these viruses mutate and spread. You will be working with the latest tools, like glycan arrays, to figure out which glycan markers could signal the next big jump to new hosts. If you are excited about using science to stay ahead of potential pandemics and thrive in a collaborative, high-stakes environment, this might be the perfect position for you!

Your job
Your tools:

• Cutting-edge Techniques: You’ll be at the forefront of viral research, utilising advanced methods such as glycan- and tissue-arrays, and microscopy to unravel virus-host interactions.
• Collaborative Network: You work closely with multidisciplinary teams, blending insights from chemical biology, virology, and international collaborators in Cambodia to drive innovative research.

Your impact:

• Knowledge: You lead research that explores how H5Nx viruses evolve across different species, contributing to the global understanding of viral evolution and transmission.
• Preparedness: You play a pivotal role in developing early warning systems, helping developing countries prepare for and respond to emerging viral threats.

If you're ready to solve virus-glycan interaction puzzles and shape the future of viral surveillance, we invite you to join our team and take on this exciting opportunity to make groundbreaking discoveries.

We are looking for a colleague who can start early 2025 (ideally, negotiable) and meets the following requirements:

• a completed Master's degree in virology or chemical biology;
• experience with lab work and cell culture;
• preferably experience with FACS analyses, ELISA, microscopy and arrays;
• good spoken and written English language skills.

We offer:

• a position for four years;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,872 and €3,670 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community

All research activities of the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences are carried out within the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS). You will join one of the five research divisions: Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. This division brings together PIs with expertise in carbohydrate chemistry, bacteriology, virology, and immunology. Our passion for glycoscience unites us, driving research across various fields. We often see chemistry and molecular biology PhD candidates collaborating to tackle key biological questions, leveraging their combined expertise.

The position is in the team of Robert de Vries and is composed of several PhD candidates who all work on how different viruses engage glycans. Our projects range from studying multivalency in Influenza A virus receptor binding to exploring the evolution of glycan-binding properties in coronaviruses and other pathogens. We are a collaborative and dynamic group, deeply committed to advancing the understanding of virus-glycan interactions. We value hard work, teamwork, and a culture of open communication, fostering a supportive environment where everyone’s contributions help drive our shared scientific goals forward.

For more information, please contact Robert de Vries at r.vries@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.