We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the One Health microbial team at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) as part of the ZonMW Pandemic Preparedness Kickstart Programme, led by the Netherlands Center for One Health (NCOH). In this multidisciplinary research programme, we aim to develop innovative environmental DNA-based surveillance methods to detect potential pathogen spread at the human, domesticated animals and wildlife interface.

Your job
Your responsibilities include:

• further developing our eDNA barcoding methods for host species detection and quantification in air samples, as a proxy for host-specific pathogen spread;
• quantifying host-derived, potentially agent-containing, material exchange in hot-spots or natural crossovers at the wildlife, domestic animal and human interface;
• exploring, for instance, host RNA to DNA balance to determine the age of detected host-genetic materials;
• determining typical ratios between amounts of detected host-genetic material and pathogens in air and surface samples for a demonstration pathogen (e.g., avian influenza).

These molecular metataxonomic modeling applications can inform source attribution linked to transmission routes that are important for developing future intervention measures, including external biosecurity measures.

We are looking for a postdoc who holds a PhD in molecular microbiology, medical biology, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline. Your expertise in environmental sampling and/or One Health research, along with strong communication skills, enthusiasm, and creativity, will contribute to our collaborative and dynamic research team.

Specific skills that are relevant for this position:

• experience in genomics-related bioinformatics;
• proficient in R language and a general purpose scripting language;
• comfortable in a Linux environment;
• a background/hands-on experience with microbiological and molecular biology methods;
• experience in databasing and FAIR data management;
• good visualisation and communication skills;
• proficient in English language (speaking, writing and presenting).

We offer:

• a postdoctoral position for one year - after positive evaluation, extending the employment is a possibility;
• a working week of 36-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.226,- and € 5.090,- in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 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. Shaping science, sharing tomorrow.

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. Furthermore the faculty delivers expert clinical care at the University Animal Hospital. 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 Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) is an interfaculty research institute (collaboration of the faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Science) at Utrecht University. The IRAS’ mission is to provide education and conduct research in the field of health risks posed to humans by exposure to pathogens and possible hazardous substances in the environment, at work or in the food chain. The institute also studies the effects on ecosystems and is located at the Utrecht Science Park, near the historical city centre of Utrecht.