Postdoc Virology

Job description

The department of Viroscience at the Erasmus MC and the department of Chemical Biology & Drug discovery at Utrecht University have joined forces to identify functional glycan receptors for influenza A viruses, enteroviruses and noroviruses. The overarching goal of this research program is to comprehensively understand virus-glycan interactions in respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and central nervous system (CNS) of relevant vertebrates including humans. The premise is that the combined knowledge of receptor specificity of (re)emerging viruses and glycan repertoires expressed on relevant cells and tissues of various vertebrate species will provide predictors for host range, including zoonotic potential (animal-to-human spill-over) and pathogenesis.  

For this project, you will join the team that is focused on the detecting of functional glycans in situ and development of advanced infection model systems to study the role of functional receptors. These models will include (genetically engineered) stem cell-derived 2D and 3D organoids that represent respiratory, gastrointestinal, and brain tissues. You will use viruses and generate recombinant viral proteins to investigate virus-glycan interactions in these model systems. 

Work environment

The department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC employs more than 180 employees of different disciplines. It runs an extensive fundamental and applied experimental research program on epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of infections by human and animal viruses and has well-equipped clinical and experimental virology labs. The project is a close collaboration between the teams of Debby van Riel, Miranda de Graaf and Bart Haagmans and therefore you will closely work within these teams.  

Qualifications and skills

To be a successful candidate for this role, you should possess the following qualifications and skills: 

• A PhD degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., (Molecular) Virology, Cell Biology). 
• Proficiency in performing independent research.
• Experience in stem cell-derived organoid systems and/or (molecular) virology. 
• Strong social and communication skills, excellent scientific writing and presentation skills. 
• Effective organizational skills. 
• Proficiency in the English language. 
• Dedication, enthusiasm for innovative research, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment. 

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 1 year, with a possible extension to 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.493.- and a maximum of € 5.504,- (scale 10) depending on your level of education and relevant experience, based on a full-time working week of 36 hours.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package. 
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution. 
• Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 
• An international office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Debby van Riel or dr. Miranda de Graaf, via d.vanriel@erasmusmc.nl or m.degraaf@erasmusmc.nl.

If you are excited about this position and would like to apply, please use the application form on our website. 

No agencies please.