Junior Researcher Preclinical Models for High-impact Emerging Viruses

We are looking for a passionate junior scientist / postdoctoral fellow to join our research team and support us in our efforts to develop refined preclinical models for high-impact emerging viruses. You will be directly contributing to global pandemic preparedness efforts in a One Health context, specifically focusing on highly pathogenic human coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, and tick-borne Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV).

In this role, you will design, oversee, execute and document preclinical studies to support future vaccine candidate evaluation. Your work will include performing wet-lab activities such as virological, immunological and hematological assays, supervising critical in-life study phases, and preparing all relevant documentation, including experimental protocols, study reports and publications. 

Your role

As a junior scientist / postdoctoral fellow, your responsibilities will include:

• establishing refined preclinical infection models for human pathogenic coronaviruses and SFTSV;
• developing and improving laboratory assays (virology, immunology, hematology), especially under hBSL3 conditions;
• drafting experimental protocols and study reports as well as Standard Operating Procedures;
• publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at national and/or international conferences;
• contributing to funding acquisition for new projects through proactive stakeholder engagement.

Your team

You will work at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad, The Netherlands, in the Department of Viral Infections and Pathology (VIP). You will join a multidisciplinary team with expertise in viral pathogens, preclinical models, immunology, and pathology. You will collaborate closely with experienced researchers and lab/bio-technicians.

At WBVR, you will have the opportunity to contribute directly to societally relevant research into infectious (animal) diseases. We offer you a varied, dynamic position in a well-equipped modern laboratory. In addition, you will work in a collaborative environment with both experienced and early‑career colleagues. You will work with project leaders, specialized scientists, technicians and supportive staff and often on multiple projects at the same time. Depending on your interests and ambitions, there is also room for professional growth and development.

You are a flexible and driven researcher with a (recent) PhD, preferably in virology, veterinary sciences, or a related biomedical field. You are accustomed to working in an interdisciplinary team, learn quickly and have good communication skills.

We are specifically looking for a person with:

• hands-on experience in various classical virological and immunological techniques like virus culture, titration, neutralization assays, (primary) tissue culture, PCR, flow cytometry, immunoassays and (fluorescence) microscopy;
• good communication skills and a proactive attitude;
• excellent organizational skills and dedication to deliver high-quality results;
• a collaborative mindset who is comfortable with working in a multidisciplinary environment;
• managerial experience (supervising students and/or projects);
• experience in working at Biosafety level 3 is highly advantageous;
• experience with animal experiments ("Article 9 certificate") is highly advantageous;
• fluency in English;
• strong skills in conducting conversations with potential clients and collaborators that lead to successful project acquisition.

Because we work with high-containment pathogens (veterinary BSL-4 and human BSL-3), strict access and quarantine regulations can apply for specific activities. Veterinary BSL-4 activities may require a quarantine period in line with EU regulations. This means employees may not keep cloven-hoofed animals and must avoid contact with such animals or poultry production sites for 72 hours after specific laboratory work.

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

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between € 3,399.- and € 5,478,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10). Additionally, For this role a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended. 

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

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. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account 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 Dr. Nora Gerhards, via email: Nora.gerhards@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van 't Land, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.asg@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 April 27, 2026. The first interviews are scheduled soon after this date. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before April 4, 2026.

We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated.

Procedure

• A pre-employment screening is part of the selection procedure.
• Upon employment, we will request a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).

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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