One Health recognises that global wellbeing goes beyond the health of humans, but is directly connected to the health of animals, plants, and the environment. Preparedness is key as we are increasingly challenged with zoonotic and re-emerging viruses in agriculture, veterinary and public health. Viruses do not only cause disease in humans, plants, and animals, but viruses of microbes also act as vehicles for gene transfer including antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Metagenomics is a catch-all technique that allows the identification of viruses in many types of samples, including clinical and environmental samples. However, the identification and interpretation of viral sequences in metagenomic datasets remains challenging. You will work at the intersection of bioinformatics and virus genomics, embedded in two state-of-the art research groups. You will contribute to developing and applying innovative computational approaches to identify viruses in metagenomic datasets and predict their functions.

To excel in this role, you have the following profile:

• a MSc in a biological, biomedical, or biotechnological research field with a major involving (meta) genomics analysis;
• a strong interest in viruses;
• excellent computer programming skills;
• excellent professional networking skills;
• excellent English oral, written and presentation skills.

• embedding within a great team of world-class scientists;
• a full-time position for 4 years, 
• the gross salary starts at €2,325 in the first year and increases to €2,972 per month in the fourth year during the appointment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (cao)). The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% per year;
• pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions (based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities).

In addition to the employment conditions laid down in the cao for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. For example, there are agreements on professional development, leave arrangements and sports. You are also given the opportunity to expand your terms of employment yourself via the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we like to encourage you to continue to grow. More information about working at the Faculty of Science can be found here. 

You will join the Utrecht University Metagenomics Group (MGX), an interdisciplinary and international team using bioinformatic data analysis and computational modelling to investigate the fundamental principles that shape microbiomes. This PhD position is a collaboration with the Viroscience Department in Rotterdam in the context of the One Health initiative and requires an active participation in NCOH activities. MGX is embedded in the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics group which focuses on using bioinformatics, big data, and computational modelling to address questions in the Life Sciences. A selection of ongoing research lines includes metagenomics and viromics, host-microbe interactions, spatial modelling, and the principles of ecology and evolution.

At the Faculty of Science there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Physics. Each of them is made up of distinct institutes which work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups - the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.

Utrecht University is a friendly and ambitious university at the heart of an ancient city. We love to welcome new scientists to our city - a thriving cultural hub that is consistently rated as one of the world’s happiest cities. We are renowned for our innovative interdisciplinary research and our emphasis on inspirational research and excellent education. We are equally well-known for our familiar atmosphere and the can-do attitude of our people. This fundamental connection attracts Researchers, Professors and PhD candidates from all over the globe, making both the University and the Faculty of Science a vibrant international and wonderfully diverse community.