Assistant Professor Parasite Immunomodulation

The Laboratory of Nematology invites applications for an Assistant Professorship in Parasite Immunomodulation at Wageningen University. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing research area of parasitic infections of human and veterinary importance, with a strong focus on helminth parasites. This position presents a unique opportunity to shape and advance fundamental parasitology in The Netherlands, addressing the urgent need for sustainable parasite control. The candidate will play a key role in advancing mechanistic understanding of host–parasite interactions and translating this knowledge into novel intervention strategies, including vaccines and alternative control approaches.

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• developing an independent, internationally recognised research line focusing on cellular and immunological mechanisms underlying parasite infections in animal systems;
• contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations within Wageningen University, particularly within One Health-themed research;
• developing a competitive funding portfolio including prestigious personal grants (e.g., NWO and ERC) as main applicant, and public-private partnerships and Horizon programs as (co-)applicant;
• teaching in courses at BSc and MSc level, such as Basics of Infectious Diseases, Immunotechnology, and/or Frontiers in Medical and Veterinary Biology;
• supervision of thesis students from Biology, Animal Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences, and Biotechnology programs at Wageningen University;
• engaging in outreach activities aimed at achieving societal impact.

This position is a Professor Career Path of the Academic Career Framework (ACF) at Wageningen University & Research. The aim of this ACF is to achieve a new balance in recognising and valuing academics where both team collaboration and the unique talent of individual scientists are acknowledged, by putting more emphasis on the quality of work instead of quantitative results. The framework does justice to the individual qualities and ambitions of academics as much as to team performance. 

You will work here

The research is embedded within the chair Laboratory of Nematology (https://wur.eu/nem), which is led by Prof. Dr. Geert Smant (website). At the Laboratory of Nematology, we focus on nematodes and related organisms as key factors in soil resilience and nutrient cycling, and as a persistent threat to animal, human, and plant health. As a strong team, we address animal parasitic worms from different angles, such as genetic diversity, effects of anthelminthics on soil organisms, and vaccine development. 

As member of our team, you will be fully dedicated to the cellular, molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying host–parasite interactions and will act as a unifying force within our Human and Animal Health research theme. 

We are particularly interested in candidates who study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of host-pathogen and/or host-parasite interactions. The candidate has to be a team player with a collaborative attitude and good communication skills. The candidate should be proactive, focused on achieving multidisciplinary research targets, and participating in the acquisition of funding for  research projects. 

The ideal candidate:

• holds a PhD with a demonstrated record of research success in the broad area of immunology of infectious diseases of human or veterinary importance;
• has a strong track record in mechanistic research on host-pathogen interactions;
• has a broad international network;
• combines fundamental research excellence integrated in a One-Health framework;
• is enthusiastic about interdisciplinary collaboration and teaching;
• is willing to contribute to project acquisition to further expand this line of research.

Experience with (helminth) parasites is a plus, but we explicitly encourage applicants working on other infectious diseases who are interested in expanding their research toward parasitic systems, to apply as well.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will be offered a fixed-term, 18 months contract which, upon positive evaluation, can lead to a permanent employment contract. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 4,728.- and € 6,433.- for a full-time working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 11).

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. 

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

For more information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Geert Smant, hiring manager, via telephone number: +31 317483137 or via email: geert.smant@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van 't Land, Corporate Recruiter, via email: ine.vantland@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply up to and including Monday May 18th, 2026. 

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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