PhD candidate Mosquito borne viruses on the human-animal interface

We are looking for a PhD candidate to study the ecology and spread of mosquito borne viruses on the human-animal interface. The research will take place in a multidisciplinary environment, including national and international collaborations with wildlife health, ecology and mathematical modelling centres. The focus of your research will be on the host potential and spread of arboviruses in wild bird reservoirs. The PhD project will include field work, molecular and serological laboratory work, epidemiological analyses and the possibility to further study arbovirus infections in their reservoir host in in vitro and in vivo models.

As a member of the One Health Virology group you will be part of the WHO collaborating centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research and National reference laboratory for arboviruses. You will also work closely together with the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center.

We are looking for a PhD candidate with hands-on experience in molecular biology and/or immunology laboratory techniques. Experience in infectious disease epidemiology, ecology and/or modelling is an asset. The candidate should have a strong interest in infectious diseases.

We ask for:

• A MSc from an accredited academic program in Biology, Biomedical or Molecular Sciences, Epidemiology, Veterinary) Medicine, Health Sciences, and/or International Public Health.
• Good communication skills, a flexible attitude, and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrable affinity with various pathological, molecular and/or and virological techniques will be beneficial.
• Affinity and experience with field work and sampling techniques of birds, mosquitos and small mammals are a bonus.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills.
• We expect dedication and enthusiasm for innovative research, combined with scientific curiosity.

The department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC is a large department which employs over 180 FTE of different disciplines and runs an extensive research program on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of infections by human and animal viruses. All necessary equipment to carry out the research proposed in the projects is available within the setting of the department. The department of Viroscience harbours well-equipped clinical and experimental virology labs, in which all the virology, molecular biology, pathology and immunology techniques necessary for these projects are operational. You will be appointed to the One Health Virology group of dr. Reina Sikkema and prof. dr. Koopmans.