We are looking for two enthusiastic and ambitious postdocs, one with a background in vaccine research and, or immunity related research and one with experience in bacterial metagenomics and, or host-microbe interactions including bacterial pathogens. The postdocs will work together with PhD students in a European project on a global programme for prevention of Streptococcus suis disease, involving 9 partner organisations and coordinated by the host laboratory. S. suis is a major bacterial pathogen, affecting mainly young piglets around the time of weaning. S. suis is also a zoonotic pathogen of humans and infections worldwide have increased significantly in the past years.

In collaboration with other partners one researcher would be involved in large-scale genomics-based selection and evaluation of conserved vaccine antigens, as well as testing of the best candidates in a vaccination trial. The second researcher will use a metagenomic sequencing approach to investigate how the small intestine and tonsil microbiota influences S. suis colonisation and the risk for invasive disease. This knowledge will be used to develop microbial strategies to stimulate innate immunity and promote colonisation resistance against S. suis in early life. Both researchers will be involved in investigating role of selected genes in virulence of S. suis using molecular and genetic approaches and porcine organoid models.

• A PhD graduate with research experience in infection biology, vaccine /immunity, microbiology, microbiota or host-pathogen interactions.
• Very good track record of relevant research experience and well-developed scientific writing skills, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• A professional, reliable and organised method of working.
• Excellent communication skills and being able to maintain effective working relationships with collaborators, other project members and colleagues in the host group.
• Scientific creativity combined with critical, analytical thinking.
• Very good level of English (spoken and written).
  

We offer a contract based on project activities; 1 position for 1.0 fte and 1 position for 0.8 fte. Both positions for a period of 4 years. Should, however, these activities at any given moment be cancelled, this might imply termination of the contract.
Gross salary € 3.238,- to € 4.084,- maximum per month, based on a fulltime employment and dependent on expertise and experience.
We not only offer a competitive salary, but also a good pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

To apply, please upload your letter of motivation and CV via our online application button before 31 July 2017.

Wageningen University & Research

The positions are in the Host-Microbe Interactomics (HMI) Group comprising 26 employees. Research of the HMI group ranges from work on the molecular mechanisms of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, to the interactions between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria and their human or animal hosts. The group, combines expertise in cell biology, immunology, microbiology and functional genomics to further our understanding of the molecular interactions occurring in the cross-talk between microbes and their hosts.

Wageningen University and Research delivers a substantial contribution to the quality of life. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society and health. Every day, at WUR, 6,500 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality.