Postdoc Researcher in Molecular Virology of Herpesviruses

Job description

Herpesviruses are an important cause of severe diseases. Once infected, the virus establishes a lifelong latent infection, which allows it to reactivate later in life. Our team aims to elucidate the virus and host factors involved in the immune control and pathogenesis of the human neurotropic herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) in their natural host. 

In this project, you will investigate how alpha-herpesvirus latency-associated transcripts (LATs) interact with host cells during both productive and latent infections.

As a researcher, you will be the driving force behind the following core activities:

• Performing detailed structural characterization of multiple LATs using advanced sequencing technologies.
• Using neuronal culture models to functionally compare virus factors and host interactions.
• Validating research findings in latently infected ganglia using in situ analyses.
• Advancing our understanding of latency to lay the groundwork for innovative targeting strategies.
• Collaborating with national and international partners to share knowledge and impact.

This project provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of molecular biology and clinical relevance. You will use computational modeling to interpret complex datasets and translate these findings into new insights. Your work will contribute directly to our mission of providing excellent care through pioneering research.

Work environment

The Department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC employs more than 180 employees of different disciplines and runs an extensive experimental research program on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of infections by human and animal viruses. Our department harbors well-equipped clinical and experimental virology labs, in which all the virology, molecular biology, pathology and immunology techniques necessary for this project are operational. 

You will be appointed to the HerpeslabNL team, an international team of (currently) 18 members, and work in a pleasant, stimulating and inspiring environment. The team values close collaboration, both among its own members and with other groups within the department. In this role, you will be part of an enthusiastic and close-knit team and will maintain international contacts with consortium partners. 

Qualifications and skills

• PhD in Virology, Molecular Cell Biology or a related field.
• Strong background in molecular virology and/or molecular biology and experience with virological techniques, RNA interactome capture and/or neuronal cell culture models will be beneficial.
• Demonstratable affinity with bioinformatic analyses (RNA-sequencing, Nanopore sequencing, Mass-Spectrometry datasets) and structural modeling (RNAfold, trRosettaRNA, AlphaFold) will be beneficial.
• Excellent command of the English language, both oral and written.
• You can work independently and within a team, at national and international levels.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• The postdoctoral position runs for 3 years. The initial contract is for one year and can be extended up to a total of 3 years
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.598,- and a maximum of € 5.669,- (scale 10) based on a full-time workweek of 36 hours.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a in company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action.

Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to, Werner Ouwendijk, Assistant Professor, via e-mail.

No agencies please.