Postdoctoral Researcher in Virology

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic research team as part of a recently funded public private partnership between Utrecht University & MSD Animal Health. This project is focused on developing broad-protective vaccines against Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), a major avian coronavirus that threatens global poultry production, causing respiratory disease, reduced growth, poor egg quality, and increased antibiotic use. IBV-related losses amount to hundreds of millions of euros annually, impacting both food security and animal welfare.

Your job
Current vaccines, which are based on live-attenuated and inactivated virus formulations, require constant updates due to the virus’s evolution and emerging serotypes. This project, a public-private partnership between Utrecht University and MSD Animal Health, aims to develop broad-protective that induce a long-lasting immunity and advanced surveillance tools to combat IBV infections in the field more effectively.

To address the limitations of existing vaccines, we focus on:

• structure-based antigen design – identifying and engineering key viral antigens to elicit cross-protective immune responses;
• viral vector technology – optimising delivery platforms to enhance vaccine efficacy, local immunity, and durability;
• immune profiling – understanding the mechanisms behind protective immunity after vaccination or infection in chickens, crucial for designing next-generation vaccines;
• surveillance innovation – developing advanced diagnostic tools to monitor IBV evolution and antigenic drift, to improve outbreak control strategies.

By integrating virology, immunology, and cutting-edge vaccine technology, we aim to improve poultry health, reduce disease outbreaks and minimize reliance on antibiotics.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in developing next-generation IBV vaccines. Your key responsibilities include:

• leading experimental work on IBV vaccine development and immunity;
• designing novel antigens for broad-spectrum protection;
• exploring the optimal (viral) vector vaccine platforms for antigen delivery;
• developing advanced serology tools to track chicken immunity against IBV;
• collaborating with and co-supervising a PhD candidate;
• collaborating with our industry partner and fellow researchers;
• writing scientific articles and publishing your findings in scientific journals.

We are looking for a motivated researcher with:

• a PhD in molecular virology, immunology, or a related field;
• experience with techniques relevant to the role, which include molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning), protein expression & characterization (ELISA, flow cytometry), virological techniques (virus propagation, pseudovirus system, hemagglutination assay), structural virology (single-particle cryoEM) and vaccine development & immune profiling. Please elaborate on your experience in your motivation letter;
• a background in virology, particularly coronaviruses, is a plus;
• preference for working at the intersection of fundamental and applied research;
• excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively;
• a team player capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously;
• strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A one-year contract with the possibility of extension up to three years following satisfactory performance;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible employment conditions based on the collective labor agreement for Dutch Universities.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. 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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

Your research will be embedded in Virology group of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, which is part of the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences within the Faculty of Veterinary medicine. You will be supervised and coached in your development by Dr Berend-Jan Bosch. You will join our large team of about 35 researchers that focuses on the molecular aspects of infection of corona-, influenza- and picornaviruses. The Virology Section 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, please contact Dr Berend-Jan Bosch at b.j.bosch@uu.nl or Dr Sander Steenbeek at s.c.steenbeek@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.