Would you like to contribute to our understanding of what determines pandemic potential? Are you looking for a Postdoctoral position? We have a postdoctoral opening at the Virology Section of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University where you will be working on a collaborative project with our PI dr. Xander de Haan and our USA partner. Influenza A virus (IAV) pandemics occur every 10-40 years when animal viruses jump to humans. These jumps are restricted by species barriers that require animal viruses to obtain adaptive properties for efficient replication in humans. One of the factors thought to play a key role in the species barrier is the dynamic interaction of virus particles with receptors controlling cellular attachment and mucosal translocation. IAV particles contain hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins that are involved in binding to (HA) and cleavage of sialic acid (SIA) receptors (NA) on host cells and mucus.
When viruses adapt to a new host species, the balance between binding and cleavage needs to be readjusted to the receptor repertoire of the new host at the cell surface and in the mucosal layer overlaying the epithelial cells.

In this project your objective will be to connect the HA-NA-receptor balance of (pre)pandemic swine viruses to their ability to cross the host-species barrier. Our partner has a unique set of (pre)pandemic H1N1 viruses available. You will use Biolayer interferometric analysis of virus-receptor interactions, study the interaction of IAVs with mucus, and ultimately determine the importance of HA-NA balance for human and swine virus replication in (primary) epithelial cells.

In this role you will:

• design and conduct the experimental work for this research project;
• work together with technicians to obtain results;
• coordinate the collaboration with our partner ‘the center for research on influenza pathogenesis and transmission (CRIPT);
• write high quality research publications;
• supervise research projects of MSc and BSc students. Your research will be embedded in the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

You will be supervised and coached in your development by your PI dr. Xander de Haan. You will join our large team of about 40 researchers that focuses on the molecular aspects of infection of influenza-, corona-, and picornaviruses. We offer a challenging position in a dynamic and professional environment with plenty of room for initiative and entrepreneurship. This position offers a lot of opportunities to develop yourself and your talents. You will be given the option to follow trainings from the UU Development programme.

To be successful in this role you:

• have received a PhD and proven interest and experience in (molecular) virology;
• have affinity and experience with cell-culture based viral assays;
• have experience in primary respiratory epithelial air-to-liquid interface cell culture model, that is, it is considered a huge plus;
• are a team player who is enthusiastic to collaborate with other team members and research groups;
• communicate clearly and effectively and have proven English skills in presenting and writing;

We offer a temporary position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for one year in an international working environment. The Postdoc Appointment (0.8-1.0 fte) is for the duration of 2 years on already acquired funding. You will start with an annual contract. There may be an option to extend based on the availability of other projects. You are encouraged to seek you own funding and will be supported by your PI and our grant writer if you want to. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,960 and €4,670 (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). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

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 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. In addition, the faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. 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 faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park.
The ancient city centre of Utrecht and its modern central station can easily be reached from the Utrecht Science Park by public transport or by a 15 minute bicycle ride. Utrecht boasts beautiful canals with extraordinary wharf cellars housing cafés and terraces by the water, as well as a broad variety of shops and boutiques.

The Virology Section of the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences of 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. For more information about the Virology Section and our research directions: https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-veterinary-medicine/veterinary-research/research-programmes/infection-immunity/virology and https://twitter.com/UtrechtVirology For more information on the influenza research related to your project please see doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.03.014 and doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.08.010.