We are looking for a postdoc to work a joint project between the Laboratory of Applied Evolutionary Biology of the Amsterdam University Medical Center (location AMC) and the Department of Pathology of the University of Cambridge. The appointed postdoc will work on a ZonMW/NWO funded project to develop a high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 replication assay that can be used under standard biosafety laboratory conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how underprepared the world has been for emerging pandemic respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Although European countries have now brought down the number of active infections by enforcing lockdowns and are allowing international travel again, SARS-CoV-2 is still actively spreading and a second COVID-19 wave is likely to hit European countries this fall. In order to treat people prophylactically as well as people already infected with SARS-CoV-2 when the second wave hits, new (orally available) antivirals are urgently needed. Currently, no such antiviral is approved for the treatment of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 or treatment people prophylactically. Screening for new SARS-CoV-2 antiviral is currently restricted to a special containment laboratory (BSL3+), which limits throughput and slows down antiviral discovery and optimisation.

The postdoc will be primarily responsible for the development of the SARS-CoV-2 replication activity assay, the screening of putative inhibitor libraries, and the validation of candidate antivirals using in vitro and virus assays. There will be ample opportunities to develop other skills and contribute to multiple aspects of the project.

We are looking for a motivated post-doc with a finished PhD. Previous experience with molecular cloning and cell culture is essential. Experience with BSL-3 experiments, polymerase assays, or drug screening is desirable. This position is available for one year, but extensions may be offered if further funding is found.Academic Medical Center (AMC)

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

We offer you ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow! Working at AMR means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every respect.

• The maximum gross monthly salary based on a 36-hour work week is between € 2.911,- and € 4.615,- (scale 10 CAO UMC).
• The base salary does not include holiday pay (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%).
• We initially offer an contract for 12 months, with the prospect of extending the contract.
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, AMC also has a sufficient number of parking spaces for employees.
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank.

For an overview of all our other terms of employment.

Amsterdam UMC

Academic Medical Center (AMC)

Medical Microbiology

The project will be a collaboration between the Department of Pathology of the University of Cambridge and the laboratory of Applied Evolutionary Biology which is part of the Department of Medical Microbiology of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre. The employee will be affiliated to the Amsterdam UMC, but the position will combine work at both institutes.