Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Department Biomolecular Health Sciences
Hours per week: 36 to 40
Application deadline: 31 August 2026

Your job

The Virology section at Utrecht University is seeking an ambitious and creative virologist to develop an independent research line and contribute to teaching in virology within a vibrant One Health research environment.

The research of the Virology group focuses mainly on the molecular, cellular and structural mechanisms underlying infection and transmission of animal and human RNA viruses, including corona-, influenza-, paramyxo- and picornaviruses in the context of the faculty’s One Health research. In addition to fundamental research, the group performs translational research to develop innovative diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutic antibodies and antiviral strategies.

As a principal investigator you will:

• establish and lead an independent research line that complements and strengthens the ongoing research activities within the Virology group;

• acquire research funding and build and maintain contacts with academic and industrial partners;

• supervise PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff.

We are particularly interested in candidates whose research contributes to areas such as RNA viruses, virus-host interactions, viral pathogenesis, zoonotic infections, antiviral strategies, structural virology or translational virology.

You will also contribute to Virology teaching within the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes of Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences. Teaching tasks include lectures, practical courses, supervision of BSc and MSc students, as well as course development. Your teaching duties will average 0.2 FTE, with peak periods when the courses are running. While some teaching is conducted in Dutch, candidates who are not yet proficient in Dutch are expected to be willing to learn the language (support for this can be made available if needed).

The Virology section is part of the Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, together with the sections of Immunology, Infection Biology and Clinical Infectiology. The division is part of the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Your qualities

Depending on your experience and track record, the position will be offered at Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level.

We are looking for an enthusiastic virologist with:

• a completed PhD in Virology or a closely related field;

• a clear vision for developing an independent research line that complements the current activities of the Virology group;

• for appointment as Assistant Professor: several years of relevant postdoctoral experience;

• for appointment as Associate Professor: an internationally recognised track record, successful acquisition of research projects, experience supervising PhD candidates, technicians and/or postdocs, and a strong publication record;

• for appointment as Associate Professor, a University Teaching Qualification; for appointment as Assistant Professor, the willingness to obtain one;

• proficiency in Dutch, or the willingness to learn Dutch;

• strong interpersonal and communication skills;

• the ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary academic and translational research environments.

Our offer

• a job for a period of 18 months, with the prospect of permanent employment following a go/no-go decision at month 18. The evaluation criteria for permanent employment will be discussed and agreed upon at the start of the appointment;

• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 4.728 and € 6.433 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11, 13 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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

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 Faculty is organised into three main departments: Biomolecular Health Sciences, Clinical Sciences and Population Health Sciences. In addition to the Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences contains the Divisions of Pathology and Cell Biology, Metabolism and Cancer. Within the department, research is performed on animals, humans and the environment at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. Various divisions conduct research into infections and infectious diseases, with a particular focus on pathogenesis, the development of diagnostics, therapies and vaccines, and research into antimicrobial use and resistance. In addition to conducting research, providing education is one of the main tasks of the department.

The Virology section, headed by Prof. Frank van Kuppeveld, consists of approximately 30 staff members. The section performs fundamental and translational research on several emerging, re-emerging, zoonotic and clinically important RNA viruses, and contributes to several teaching courses.

For more information about the Virology Section and our research directions:

https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-veterinary-medicine/veterinary-research/research-programmes/infection-immunity/virology

More information

For more information, please contact Prof. Frank van Kuppeveld:

• Email: f.j.m.vankuppeveld@uu.nl

• Phone: +31 (0)30 253 4173

Please do not send your application letter to this email address.

Apply now

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.

A valid Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required for this position. This will be requested as part of the application process.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

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

Application deadline: 31 August 2026.

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