Postdoc Position on Unravelling Enterovirus Life Cycle

Would you like to contribute to our understanding of the enteroviral life cycle? Join the Virology Section at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. We are strengthening our team of PhD candidates and Postdoctoral researchers for the ERC Advanced project of Prof. dr. Frank van Kuppeveld.

Your job
Enteroviruses (e.g. poliovirus, coxsackievirus, EV-A71, EV-D68) are important human pathogens. Recently, a novel imaging technology, VIRIM, was developed which allowed us for the first time to visualise translation of single (entero)viral RNAs in living cells (Boersma et al, 2020, Cell). The goal of this ERC project is to visualise and dissect the spatial and temporal localisation of viral RNA, viral proteins and host factors during viral RNA translation, replication and virus assembly in real-time at the single-cell level using advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques.

In this role you:

• design and conduct the experimental work for this research project;
• work together with PhD candidates and/or postdocs and technicians to obtain results;
• write high quality research publications;
• co-supervise PhD candidates and 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 Prof. dr. Frank van Kuppeveld.

You will join our large team of about 30 researchers that focuses on the molecular aspects of infection of corona-, influenza- and picornaviruses. We offer a challenging position in a dynamic and professional environment with plenty of room for initiative. 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.

• A position for one year, with the option to extend to a total of two or three years;
• a working week of 32 to 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the 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 terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

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.

The Virology Section of the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences 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. Recently, we developed Single-molecule imaging assay to study translation and replication of +RNA viruses.

Take a look at our website for more information on the ERC Advanced project VIRLUMINOUS: Illuminating the enteroviral life cycle.

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Frank van Kuppeveld at f.j.m.vankuppeveld@uu.nl. Please do not send your application letter to this email address, but use the online application portal.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.