As a research technician you will support research in a team that focuses on the development of antibodies/nanobodies and antiviral drugs targeting proteins from corona- and influenza viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Viruses constitute a major threat to economies and societies. Public health is particularly vulnerable to emerging pathogens that suddenly make their way into the human population. To effectively prevent or dampen future outbreaks, vaccines and antivirals need to be developed that broadly target members of virus families causing zoonotic infections in humans. Examples of viruses that have (re)emerged in the last 15 years include avian and swine influenza, and SARS- and MERS-coronaviruses.

With the aim to counteract future outbreaks, the Virology Section of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University participates in several (inter)national research programmes which explore novel approaches for development of intervention strategies that broadly target multiple members of influenza virus and coronavirus families.

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic Technicians with an interest in virology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Experience with cloning, cell culture and and biochemistry (i.e. protein expression/purification) is a pre. As the Virology Section provides an international research environment, you should have good verbal and writing communication skills in English.

We offer positions (1.0 FTE) for a period of one year. In case of good performance, extending the employment is a possibility. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,261 and €3,052 (scale 7 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 collective insurance schemes, an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

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, researchers are also 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, nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students.

The Virology Section of the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine studies the interaction between viruses and their hosts at the molecular/cell biological level as well as at organism level. The ultimate goal is to translate the knowledge we obtain into the development of novel vaccines, antiviral therapies, and diagnostic tools.