PHD position: Chicken natural killer cells and avian influenza virus

Your job

Are you a highly motivated, curious researcher who is fascinated by host-pathogen interactions? Are you enthusiastic about 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? Then you could be the ideal PhD candidate for this position!

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 chicken immune cells during infections with for example avian influenza virus. This basic knowledge can then be applied to design novel strategies to modulate the immune system, with the ultimate aim to improve immune mediated protection and reduce infections in chickens.

In this project you will investigate how avian influenza virus induces activation of chicken natural killer cells. You will work with newly developed antibodies and will investigate the  the gene expression signature of chicken natural killer cell subsets in in chickens in presence and absence of avian influenza virus. Moreover, you will perform in vitro studies to explore the role of chicken NK cell receptors in the avian influenza virus induced activation of chicken NK cells. The knowledge obtained in this project will provide basic insights into the immune system of the chickens which in the future may lead to new approaches for vaccine design.

You will work here
You will be working in the Veterinary section of the Cell Biology & Immunology group Group.You will be directly supervised by Dr. Christine Jansen, and will work in a small team. This project offers ample opportunities for local and international collaboration, guaranteeing a dynamic working environment. 

Your qualities

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;
• preferably some experience with RNAseq analysis;
• 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

We offer you

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 December 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 € 2.872 - per month rising to € 3.670,-  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.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

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.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. 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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Christine Jansen by e-mail christine.jansen@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter by email noorien.abbas@wur.nl.

Do you want 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.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 28 October, 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after the closing date. The intended starting date of the position is 1 February 2025.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

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.

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.