Postdoctoral researcher Molecular Virology (Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine )

Postdoctoral researcher Molecular Virology Job description Viruses constitute a major threat to economies and societies. Public health is particularly vulnerable to emerging pathogens that suddenly make their way into the human population. Examples of viruses that have (re)emerged in the last 15 include avian and swine influenza, Ebola and Nipah viruses, SARS- and MERS-coronavirus. To effectively prevent or impact of future outbreaks, antivirals need to be developed that broadly target members of virus families causing zoonotic infections in humans. Since these antiviral strategies are currently lacking, we wish to explore concepts for development broad-spectrum vaccines and generation of broadly-reactive antibodies to combat current and future emerging zoonotic viruses, making use of the combined expertise available within the Utrecht Molecular Immunology Hub in which researchers with complementary expertise in the areas of structural biology, proteomics, glycobiology and functional immunology joined forces (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/life-sciences/research/hubs/utrecht-molecular-immunology-hub). The postdoctoral researcher will establish a universal platform for the rapid, rational and knowledge-based development broadly-reactive viral intervention strategies - vaccines and prophylactic and therapeutic antibodies - for emerging pathogens. Proof of principle will be shown for coronaviruses and influenza A viruses, virus family of which members to cause zoonotic infections in humans. Antibodies will be isolated from vaccinated or infected animals that target a range of viruses and their epitopes and mechanisms of action will be assessed. In addition, vaccination concepts to humoral responses towards broadly conserved epitopes will be tested that can generate broad range immunity against emerging zoonotic viruses. Qualifications We are looking for a highly motivated, post-doctoral fellow with interest in understanding immune responses against infections, with good verbal and written communication skills in English, and experience in the molecular biology and/immunology research field. Offer We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for one year, with the perspective of prolongation with another 2 years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €2.709 and €4.274 (scale 10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) gross 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. We offer a pension scheme, (partly paid) parental leave, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information is available at: working at Utrecht University. About the organization 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. Utrecht University has been ranked first nationally in the 2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities, and 47th globally. The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, researchers are also working together on innovative scientific research. In the coming years, the Faculty will focus on three themes: One Health, One Medicine and Veterinary Biomedicine. In addition, the Faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. A focus on disease, health and well-being of animals and their environments underpins the Faculty's three main pillars: education, research, and veterinary health care. The Faculty counts 1,500 students and 900 employees. Additional information For further information, please contact Berend-Jan Bosch (associate professor), by b.j.bosch@uu.nl or 030-2534195 Xander de Haan (associate professor), by c.a.m.dehaan@uu.nl or 030-2534195 Apply To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation via the apply button below. The application deadline is 20/01/2019 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Medicinoxy

Postdoctoral researcher Molecular Virology

Job description

Viruses constitute a major threat to economies and societies. Public health is particularly vulnerable to emerging pathogens
that suddenly make their way into the human population. Examples of viruses that have (re)emerged in the last 15 include avian and swine influenza, Ebola and Nipah viruses, SARS- and MERS-coronavirus. To effectively prevent or impact of future outbreaks, antivirals need to be developed that broadly target members of virus families causing zoonotic
infections in humans. Since these antiviral strategies are currently lacking, we wish to explore concepts for development broad-spectrum vaccines and generation of broadly-reactive antibodies to combat current and future emerging zoonotic
viruses, making use of the combined expertise available within the Utrecht Molecular Immunology Hub in which researchers
with complementary expertise in the areas of structural biology, proteomics, glycobiology and functional immunology joined forces (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/life-sciences/research/hubs/utrecht-molecular-immunology-hub).

The postdoctoral researcher will establish a universal platform for the rapid, rational and knowledge-based development broadly-reactive viral intervention strategies - vaccines and prophylactic and therapeutic antibodies - for emerging pathogens. Proof of principle will be shown for coronaviruses and influenza A viruses, virus family of which members to cause zoonotic infections in humans. Antibodies will be isolated from vaccinated or infected animals that target a range of viruses and their epitopes and mechanisms of action will be assessed. In addition, vaccination concepts to humoral responses towards broadly conserved epitopes will be tested that can generate broad range immunity against emerging zoonotic viruses.

Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated, post-doctoral fellow with interest in understanding immune responses against infections, with good verbal and written communication skills in English, and experience in the molecular biology and/immunology research field.

Offer
We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for one year, with the perspective of prolongation with another 2 years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €2.709 and €4.274 (scale 10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) gross 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. We offer a pension scheme, (partly paid) parental leave, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information is available at: working at Utrecht University.

About the organization
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.

Utrecht University has been ranked first nationally in the 2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities, and 47th globally. The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, researchers are also working together on innovative scientific research. In the coming years, the Faculty will focus on three themes: One Health, One Medicine and Veterinary Biomedicine. In addition, the Faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. A focus on disease, health and well-being of animals and their environments underpins the Faculty's three main pillars: education, research, and veterinary health care. The Faculty counts 1,500 students and 900 employees.

Additional information
For further information, please contact Berend-Jan Bosch (associate professor), by b.j.bosch@uu.nl or 030-2534195
Xander de Haan (associate professor), by c.a.m.dehaan@uu.nl or 030-2534195

Apply
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation via the apply button below.

The application deadline is
20/01/2019

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Medicinoxy

Apply

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