Researcher in Molecular Biology and Bacterial Infections

Your job

Do you have a passion for research and want to contribute to the development of innovative methods for combating bacterial infectious diseases? Then we would like to get in contact with you!

As a researcher in molecular biology and Bacterial Infections at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, you will play a key role in the development of innovative prevention strategies for bacterial infections in animals.

We use a multidisciplinary approach that brings together expertise in microbiology, patho-immunology, intracellular microorganisms, and zoonoses, both within our institute and in collaboration with external parties. Research with a One Health approach focuses on bacterial infections with zoonotic potential, aiming at prevention and transmission between different domains: animal, human, and the environment.

You will be part of the general bacteriology team, which works on various NRL tasks, including foodborne bacterial zoonoses. Innovative research is being conducted on bacterial veterinary diseases, focusing on both the bacterial side and the host interactions. This team is part of a department where expertise in host-pathogen interactions, antibiotic resistance, and intracellular bacteriology is available.
As a researcher in Bacterial Infections, your responsibilities will mainly include:

• Developing innovative prevention strategies against bacterial infections in animals.
• Conducting bacteriological research focusing on zoonotic infections and transmission prevention.
• Working within a multidisciplinary team, where expertise in antimicrobial resistance, microbiology, patho-immunology, and zoonoses comes together.
• Applying molecular and cell biology techniques, including sequencing techniques and protein-based analysis methods.
• Collaborating with internal and external partners, including other scientific institutes and organizations within the veterinary and public health sectors.
• Contributing to One Health research, with a focus on the interaction between animals, humans, and the environment.
• Publishing research results and possibly contributing to fundraising for follow-up research.

We are looking for a colleague who recognizes themselves in the following characteristics:

• You are familiar with and enthusiastic about our project-based multidisciplinary approach to bacteria and host interactions during infection.
• You have expertise in molecular biology combined with molecular biological techniques (e.g., sequencing techniques) and/or protein-based analysis techniques (e.g., cell-specific cytokine assays).
• You have an affinity with the veterinary field and its interaction with public health.

The work will (partly) take place in buildings where additional quarantine restrictions apply after leaving (based on EU regulations). This means it is not allowed to keep hooved animals, and for 72 hours after the work, contact with these animals and visiting poultry production companies is prohibited.

Your qualities

Job requirements:
You are a driven researcher with a PhD. You feel at home in an interdisciplinary team, are flexible, customer and result-oriented, and have strong communication skills.

We ask:

• A PhD in (medical) Biology or Life Sciences.
• Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Broad experience in bacteriological research.
• Success in securing external funded projects and other funding opportunities is a plus.
• A keen interest in the intersection between the veterinary sector and public health.

Additionally, you enjoy being part of a team, show initiative, are customer-oriented, and are creative in creating opportunities for (follow-up) research.

In our international work environment, communication is increasingly in English. For this role, a B2 level of English is required. If you don't yet have this level, we are happy to help, and you can go to our language center, Wageningen in'to Language.

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent employment conditions. Highlights from our collective labor agreement (CAO) include:

• Working hours that can be arranged in consultation, allowing for an optimal work-life balance.
• Sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave.
• A structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• Excellent pension plan via ABP.

In addition to these excellent secondary employment conditions, we also offer a competitive salary. Depending on your experience, the salary ranges from a minimum of € 3,234 to a maximum of € 6,008 for a full-time workweek of 36 hours (according to the CLA Wageningen Research, scale 10-11). Initially, we offer a one-year contract, which can be extended with good performance. Of course, we are happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding the contract.

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

Location: Lelystad, Houtribweg 39

Coming from abroad
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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Annemarie Rebel, Business Unit Manager WBVR, phone: +31 320-238800 or by email: annemarie.rebel@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure?
Please contact Ine van't Land, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.asg@wur.nl.

How to apply: Click on the application button on the vacancy page on our website. Only applications via our website will be considered.

We aim to fill the vacancy as soon as possible and will assess incoming applications on a rolling basis. If we see a match, we will invite you for an interview before the closing date. Therefore, it is beneficial to apply quickly.

Procedure:

• A pre-employment screening is part of the selection process.
• Upon employment, we will request a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
• An assessment may also be part of the selection process.

Welcome, Safe and Valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) values diversity and inclusion. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions. We create a working environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where each individual's unique contribution contributes to the success of our organization.

We are

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.