We offer a Postdoc position within the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University. You will become part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers, led by Dr Esther Nolte-‘t Hoen exploring the biology of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their role in host-pathogen interactions. We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to explore the relationship between EVs and viruses. 
EVs are vehicles for intercellular communication in several homeostatic and disease processes. Picornaviruses, which encompass a large family of viruses infecting humans and animals, exploit EV-mediated communication and have drastic effects on the number and molecular composition of EVs released by infected cells. Moreover, picornaviruses can escape infected cells cloaked in EVs, which prevents binding by neutralizing antibodies. You will participate in a research team positioned at the interphase of cell biology, virology, and immunology to elucidate mechanisms underlying the formation of picornavirus-induced EVs and their role in virus spreading and the antiviral immune response.

In this Postdoc position, which is funded by a Vici grant of the Dutch Research Council (NWO), you will delineate the biogenesis pathways by which EV-enclosed virus particles and other EV subsets are formed during picornavirus infections and develop strategies to interfere in EV formation. This is instrumental to unraveling the function and importance of these virus induced EVs. The project has a strong cell biology component and involves advanced microscopic and flow-cytometric techniques to study EV-release at single-cell and single-EV level. 

In this position you will:

• design and conduct the experimental work for this research project; 
• write high-quality research publications; 
• contribute to research projects of our other team members, and/or other research groups;
• supervise research projects of Master's and Bachelor's students.

To be successful in this position you:

• hold a PhD degree in the field of biomedical sciences or biology;
• have proven skills in (primary) cell culture, advanced molecular cloning techniques and confocal microscopy. Experience in virus research and microscopic data image analysis are a pre;
• have knowledge in the field of extracellular vesicle biology and/or intercellular communication;
• have proven English presenting and writing skills and you can communicate clearly and effectively; 
• are a team player who is enthusiastic to collaborate with other team members and research groups; 
• are a creative thinker, challenged by complex research questions.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of one year. After a positive evaluation, the appointment will be extended with two years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,846 and €4,490 (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: 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, but is also where researchers are 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 team of Dr Nolte-‘t Hoen is situated at the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences. This department has 166 FTE employees including 50 PhD students, and includes the three divisions Pathology, Infection & Immunity as well as Cell Biology, Metabolism & Cancer. You will participate in a multidisciplinary research team that is positioned at the interphase of cell biology, virology, and immunology.