Laboratory Analyst Virology (MBO/HBO) at WBVR in Lelystad

Would you like to work on projects that truly make a difference, for both animals and people?

Please be aware that a strong command of the Dutch language is needed for this position

As a Laboratory Analyst at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad, you will contribute directly to cutting-edge research on viral diseases in animals, including diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Your work is varied and challenging: one day you may be processing samples from studies for external clients, and the next you are supporting colleagues in developing new laboratory tests. Are you accurate, able to document your work in accordance with applicable quality requirements, and do you value working in a team? Then we would love to meet you.

Your tasks and responsibilities as a Laboratory Analyst include:

• (Assisting with the) collection, registration, processing, and analysis of various samples;
• Performing (classical) virological tests such as virus titrations and virus neutralization test;
• Applying molecular, cell biological, or immunological tests for further research (e.g., qPCR, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, EliSpot);
• Recording and documenting your work and results accurately;
• Reviewing data and results from other projects as part of quality control (QC) procedures.

Your team
At WBVR, you will have the opportunity to contribute to sociatally relevant research on infectious (animal) diseases. We offer a varied and dynamic role in a well-equipped laboratory with state-of-the-art facilities and techniques. You will join a positive working environment with both experienced and supportive colleagues.

You will work in changing team settings alongside project leaders, researchers, and fellow analysts, often on multiple projects at the same time. Communication lines are short, and even after your onboarding period, support is always available if needed. Depending on your interests and ambitions, there is also room for professional growth and development.

You recognize yourself in the following qualities:

• You work accurately and handle data in a structured manner.
• You ensure clear documentation and registration of your work activities.
• You have a keen eye for detail, especially when it comes to quality control (QC) and double-checking data.
• You have strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• You coordinate your tasks with project leaders and colleagues and enjoy working as part of a team.
• You are also capable of independently planning and executing tasks and take ownership within projects.
• You are flexible and resilient under pressure: you handle switching between different projects and dealing with ad-hoc situations with ease.
• You have an affinity with animal experimental research and are willing to process samples from the stables or necropsy room; when needed, you also help to collect these samples.

In addition, you have:

• A completed MBO or HBO education in a laboratory-related field (e.g. (micro)biology, biomedical sciences, or biotechnology)
• Hands-on experience working in a virological or microbiological laboratory, including practical experience with classical virological techniques and cell culture
• Experience with various immunological and/or molecular or cell biological techniques (e.g. qPCR, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, ELISpot, flow cytometry) is a strong advantage
• Experience working under human biosafety level 3 (hBSL-3) conditions, or at least the willingness to work in such conditions, is essential
• Willingness to work in the high-containment unit is considered a plus. This implies that for 72 hours afterward, you cannot be in contact with FMD-susceptible animals (cloven-hoofed ruminants and pigs)
• You have a strong command of Dutch (C1 level), as clear communication is essential in our daily work.

If you don’t yet meet all the requirements but are eager to learn and motivated, we still encourage you to apply.

Up to and including scale 6
Due to Dutch immigration laws, candidates from outside the EU/EFTA zone, can usually not be hired for this position. More information can be found on the website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service

Scale 7 up to and including 10
WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.

You will work here
As an independent knowledge institute within Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) focuses on scientific applied research, as well as diagnostics of infectious animal diseases such as avian influenza and swine fever. We also pay special attention to zoonoses, infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as SARS and MERS.
At our combined animal and laboratory facilities in Lelystad, around 250 colleagues work together to identify, combat, and prevent these diseases. We are united by a shared drive to contribute to a society where animals and humans can live together in good health.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €2.671,-and €4.190,-for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 6 - 8). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.