Postdoc Innovative Molecular Surveillance at the One Health Interface

8 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

28 Feb 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the One Health microbial team at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) as part of the ZonMW Pandemic Preparedness Kickstart Programme, led by the Netherlands Center for One Health (NCOH). In this multidisciplinary research programme, we aim to develop innovative environmental DNA-based surveillance methods to detect potential pathogen spread at the human, domesticated animals and wildlife interface.

Your job
Your responsibilities include:

• further developing our eDNA barcoding methods for host species detection and quantification in air samples, as a proxy for host-specific pathogen spread;
• quantifying host-derived, potentially agent-containing, material exchange in hot-spots or natural crossovers at the wildlife, domestic animal and human interface;
• exploring, for instance, host RNA to DNA balance to determine the age of detected host-genetic materials;
• determining typical ratios between amounts of detected host-genetic material and pathogens in air and surface samples for a demonstration pathogen (e.g., avian influenza).

These molecular metataxonomic modeling applications can inform source attribution linked to transmission routes that are important for developing future intervention measures, including external biosecurity measures.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are looking for a postdoc who holds a PhD in molecular microbiology, medical biology, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline. Your expertise in environmental sampling and/or One Health research, along with strong communication skills, enthusiasm, and creativity, will contribute to our collaborative and dynamic research team.

Specific skills that are relevant for this position:

• experience in genomics-related bioinformatics;
• proficient in R language and a general purpose scripting language;
• comfortable in a Linux environment;
• a background/hands-on experience with microbiological and molecular biology methods;
• experience in databasing and FAIR data management;
• good visualisation and communication skills;
• proficient in English language (speaking, writing and presenting).

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

• a postdoctoral position for one year - after positive evaluation, extending the employment is a possibility;
• a working week of 36-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.226,- and € 5.090,- in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development , leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities , as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .

Selection process

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

Additional comments

For more information, please contact Dr Alex Bossers at [email protected] or +31 6 39 58 54 68 or Professor Lidwien Smit at [email protected] or +31 30 25 38 696.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337538/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CM

Street

Yalelaan 2

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337538/postdoc-innovative-molecular-surveil…

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED