PHD position: measuring the developing immune system in chickens

Are you a highly motivated, curious researcher who is fascinated by fundamental aspects of the immune system in animals and not afraid of a challenge? Are you excited about using a multifaceted approach combining immune assays, animal experiments and quantitative data analysis? Are you enthusiastic about collaboration in a multidisciplinary team? Then you could be the ideal PhD candidate for this position!

You will contribute to the consortium project “I-COMP: Improved immune competence of day-old chicks: a head start”, a collaboration between WUR, the Faculty of Veterinary medicine of the Utrecht University, and two industrial partners (HatchTech, Merck Animal Health. This project, funded by the NWO Open Technology Programme, aims to create and test a system that will evaluate the impact of egg incubation conditions on development of the immune system. With this system we will investigate whether immune development can be enhanced during the late embryonic stage and whether this will improve the health and resistance of chicks against infections.

You will work here

You will be working in the Jansen group, in the chair group Cell Biology & Immunology . The research in the Jansen group focuses on understanding how the cells of the immune system in veterinary species like chickens are activated and exert their function. This includes developing assays and reagents and use these to perform fundamental research on how the chicken immune system develops in young chickens. This basic knowledge can then be applied to design novel strategies to modulate the development of the immune system, with the ultimate aim to improve immune mediated protection and reduce infections in chickens.  

You will be directly supervised by Dr. Christine Jansen, and will work in a small team with other PhD students and a technician. This project offers ample opportunities for local and international collaboration, guaranteeing a dynamic working environment. 

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualities:

• a  MSc degree in biology, animal sciences, biomedical sciences or a related discipline;
• expertise in cellular and molecular immunology;
• work experience with cell culture, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy;
• a strong and proven affinity with interdisciplinary research;
• having Article 9 of the Experiments on Animals Act is a pre;
• excellent communication skills in English (both oral and written).

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

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

• 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 receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. 

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.

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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs 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.

Ready to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total ):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page).

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 6 July 2026. We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after the closing date. The intended starting date of the position is 1 September 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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