Researcher Applied Immunology Viral Diseases in Livestock

Do you want to work on research that truly makes an impact on animals and people?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced (Senior) Researcher in Applied Immunology and Viral Diseases to join the Department of Viral Infections and Pathology. In this role, you will study immune responses in farm and laboratory animals, addressing viral infections and vaccination at both local and systemic levels and across different age groups. You will also implement immunological assays for different animal species. Your work will generate knowledge and practical solutions that support public and private stakeholders in improving animal health, strengthening disease prevention, and advancing sustainable livestock production.

Your role

As a (Senior) Researcher, you will be directly contributing to our mission to advance knowledge of veterinary and zoonotic diseases to reduce their impact on animals and society. You will be responsible for acquiring and leading immunology-focused projects within veterinary and zoonotic disease research. Concrete, you will:

• actively pursue funding opportunities (e.g. PPP, Horizon, industry contracts) through proactive stakeholder engagement, write proposals, and build consortia with industry and academia;

• lead B2B and publicly funded research projects on immune responses to viral infections and vaccination strategies in farm and laboratory animals;

• design immunological study plans (e.g. T cell phenotyping, intracellular cytokine staining, immune correlates of protection) and translate them into executable experimental workflows for technicians;

• guide the application of advanced technologies (such as spectral flow cytometry) ensuring robust panel design and data interpretation;

• apply established insights from human immunology to assess and interpret immune responses in farm and lab animal species; 

• turn research outcomes into scientific publications and practical, actionable insights for stakeholders (such as project reports).

Your team

You will work at WBVR in Lelystad, The Netherlands, where research into infectious animal diseases delivers clear societal value.

Within the Department of Viral Infections and Pathology (VIP), you will join a multidisciplinary team with expertise in viral pathogens, animal model development, immunology, and pathology. You will collaborate closely with experienced researchers, project leaders and lab/bio-technicians.

Because we also work with high-containment pathogens (veterinary BSL-4 and human BSL-3), strict access and quarantine regulations can apply for specific studies. Some 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.

WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientationyear” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.

• a PhD in veterinary medicine, life sciences, or a related field;
• demonstrated expertise in veterinary immunology and viral diseases and strong scientific track record;
• entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to identify and develop new research and collaboration opportunities and track record in acquiring funding;
• a proactive, solution-oriented mindset;
• strong networking and collaboration skills;
• strong skills in conducting conversations with potential clients and collaborators that lead to successful project acquisition.
• Experience in multi-stakeholder environments and a strong network is an advantage;
• teamplayer with proven abilities to train and supervise laboratory staff;
• excellent communication skills;
• in possession of an Article 9 qualification (authorization to design and conduct animal experiments), or willing to obtain this certification through training;
• fluency in English and willingness to learn Dutch if not already proficient.

Do you see yourself in this role but don’t meet every requirement yet? If you bring relevant and solid experience, we warmly encourage you to apply. We see this position not only as a job, but as an opportunity for you to grow and develop further.

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 € 4,045.- and € 7.068,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11/12). Additionally, For this role a contract for 28 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. Nadia Oreshkova, via +31 6 340 304 31 or via email: nadia.oreshkova@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 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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