As a Postdoc at the Virology Section you will be working on SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) research. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemics has dramatic clinical, public health and socio-economic consequences. There is a great need for (novel) approaches to treat and/or prevent infections with SARS-CoV-2 as well as to be prepared for other future emerging zoonotic coronaviruses.

The Virology Section of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University has a long-standing expertise in coronavirus research. Several (inter)national research projects have been acquired to develop 1) therapeutic antibodies, 2) antiviral drugs and 3) vaccines, as well as to gain deeper insight into 4) coronavirus-host interactions (e.g. by identifying (druggable) host factors and signaling pathways by that are essential for infection of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses).

You will be working on this research in a large team of about 40 Researchers that focuses on the molecular aspects of infection of corona-, influenza- and picornaviruses.

We are looking for 4 highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdocs with an interest in virology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. As the Virology Section provides an international research environment, good verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of three or four years (depending on the project). You will start with an annual contract, with an option to extend for two or three years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,709 and €4,274 (scale 10 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 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 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 the level of the organism. Ultimately, we strive to translate obtained knowledge into the development of novel vaccines, antiviral therapies, and diagnostic tools. More information about the Virology Section and our research directions can be found here.