a Molecular Evolutionary Biologist.
Within WBVR, the department of Virology has a vacancy for a scientist in the field of molecular virus evolution. The position requires skills in genetic analysis, phylogenetics and molecular epidemiology. You will design sampling strategies and interpret viral genome sequences to answer evolutionary and epidemiological questions. This research will initially focus on Avian Influenza and Swine Fever viruses, in particular during disease outbreaks.
Full genome sequences of the viruses are generated by next generation sequencing strategies, and large datasets of viruses with complex genome organisation need to be analysed in a geospatial and temporal context. The generation and interpretation of phylogenetic trees in relation to specific research questions is one of your key tasks. This analysis is aimed to provide insight in the source of introduction of the virus and its network of transmission, or in the functional properties (pathogenicity) related to underlying genetic features.
This position will involve close collaboration with virologists, computational biologists and epidemiologists.
Tasks and responsibilities: - Analyse the genetic evolution of Avian Influenza and Swine Fever viruses.
- Answer questions on the source of virus introduction and transmission in outbreak situations.
- You contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and state-of-the-art knowledge of virus evolution.
- You publish your results in scientific journals, and present at (inter)national meetings.