Researcher in Infection Biology

Are you a driven researcher with a passion for the biology of infectious diseases? Do you have the ambition to contribute to animal health, disease prevention, the reduction of infectious diseases and the use of antibiotics? Then we have the challenge for you! We, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), are looking for a Researcher in Infection Biology. You will strengthen our team in Lelystad in the field of control and prevention of farm-related or notifiable infectious diseases in farm animals.

What will you do?
As a Researcher in Infection Biology, you will be responsible for initiating and conducting research on infectious diseases in animals. This involves answering research questions on the relationship between the pathogen and the host, diagnostics, and ways to reduce the impact of an infection. You do this through laboratory research and studies with animals. The emphasis is on bacterial infections, with co-infections with viruses also playing a role. In addition, you will deal with:

• initiating new research with both private and public clients, at national and international level;
• coordinating research in the role of project leader;
• conducting (partial) research under the guidance of fellow project leaders;
• writing scientific publications;
• sharing your knowledge through various channels, including conferences, trade journals and social media.

A completed PhD in veterinary medicine, biology, life sciences, where registration as a  microbiologist is a plus. In addition, you have:

• a well-developed scientific and/or veterinary network;
• ability to initiate and coordinate research projects together with market players;
• a proactive, entrepreneurial attitude and stress-resistance to make projects a success.

As a Researcher in Infection Biology at WBVR, you will contribute to animal and human health and work in an inspiring research environment. Do you want to make a difference in the world of infectious biology? Then apply now and become part of our dedicated team!

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1. If you do not yet have this level, we will of course help you and you can go to our language center Wageningen in'to Language

You can see that there are plenty of challenges ahead of you. These challenges can also be seen as development opportunities. So if you do not yet have the track-record required in the vacancy, but do have solid work experience, we would also like to invite you to apply.

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• a fixed December 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 €3088,- and €5737,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). Additionally, a contract for 32 hours a week can be discussed. You will initially receive a one-year contract, which will be extended when there is mutual enthusiasm.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

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.

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 and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, 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.

For more information about this position, please contact Annet Velthuis, Department Head of Bacteriology, telephone +31 320 238070 or by e-mail; [email protected].

For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, corporate recruiter at [email protected]

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 the 29th of May 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews in the first half of May 2024.

Procedure
Within our selection procedure, an assessment may be included as part of the process. A pre-employment screening is part of the selection procedure. Upon commencing employment, we will ask for a Certificate of Good Conduct

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment .

Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) is a leading research institute in the field of animal health and public health. Its unique selling point lies in its interdisciplinary approach to research and its focus on innovative solutions to complex problems in these fields. WBVR has a unique position in the Netherlands, as it is the only research institute allowed to work with most animal viruses and bacteria up to level vBSL4 (vDM4), such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever in laboratories and animal facilities, where large livestock (including cattle) and smaller rodents can be housed. There are also facilities for research and animal testing for BLS3 pathogens such as avian flu and Coxiella, having several experts in specific pathogens, host responses, bioinformatics, pathology, epidemiology and diagnostics enables WBVR to work towards the mission and vision of WBVR. WBVR contributes to a society in which animals and humans live healthy lives by conducting scientific research to prevent the spread of animal diseases and promote health. WBVR adds value to agriculture and life sciences value chains by conducting contract research, R&D and statutory research tasks. We represent the interests of the Dutch agri-food sector, (veterinary) public health and the life sciences & health sector. As a contract research organisation, we focus on market needs in the animal and human life sciences sectors.

Wageningen University & Research
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 this video 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.