Are you interested in how viruses interact with host cells and interfere in their function? We are looking for a PhD candidate to participate in the multidisciplinary team of researchers, led by Dr Esther Nolte-‘t Hoen exploring the biology of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their role in host-pathogen interactions. EVs are vehicles for intercellular communication in several homeostatic and disease processes. Picornaviruses, which encompass a large family of viruses infecting humans and animals, exploit EV-mediated communication and have drastic effects on the number and molecular composition of EVs released by infected cells. Moreover, picornaviruses can escape infected cells cloaked in EVs, which prevents binding by neutralizing antibodies. Within a team of researchers with expertise in cell biology, virology, and immunology you will contribute to elucidating mechanisms underlying the formation of picornavirus-induced EVs and their role in virus spreading and the antiviral immune response.
You will become a member of the Graduate School of Life Sciences in the PhD programme Infection and Immunity.

• You are highly motivated and inquisitive, with an interest in intercellular communication and virology.
• You have a MSc degree in biology or biomedical sciences and practical experience in the cell biological and/or virological research field.
• You have strong communication skills and a good knowledge of the English language.
• You are enthusiastic to collaborate with other team members.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of one year. After a positive evaluation, the appointment will be extended with three years. The gross salary starts with €2,443 per month in the first year and increases to €3,122 per month in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information: working at Utrecht University.

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 societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, but is also where researchers are working together on innovative scientific research. In addition, the faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. Thanks to this position, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students.

The team of Dr Nolte-‘t Hoen is situated at the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences. This department has 166 FTE employees including 50 PhD students, and includes the three divisions Pathology, Infection & Immunity as well as Cell Biology, Metabolism & Cancer. You will participate in a multidisciplinary research team that is positioned at the interphase of cell biology, virology, and immunology.