PhD Position in H5Nx Virus Evolution and Host Interactions

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.

Requirements:

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.

Salary Benefits:

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.

36 - 40 hours per week

Universiteitsweg 99