Scientific researcher in the field of Veterinary Virology
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Your job Are you ready to apply your virology expertise as a Scientist Veterinary Virology in Lelystad? In this role, you will join a leading research team working on vector-borne and zoonotic viruses, contributing to solutions that make a real difference in animal and human health.
Research in the department One Health Virology of WBVR focuses on vector-borne, emerging and zoonotic veterinary viruses. We develop knowledge to prevent, detect and control viral diseases to improve the health of animals and humans. We now have a new position for a scientist to strengthen our department. The scientist will contribute to research related to the statutory tasks of our institute (WOT), as well as to research for other public or private partners.
The work in the context of the statutory tasks will focus on vector-borne viruses like Bluetongue virus and African Horse Sickness virus and zoonotic viruses like West-Nile virus and Rabies. After a training period, the scientist must be able to replace the head of the national reference laboratory for BTV in case of absence. The candidate will also actively participate in the crisis organization in case of specific disease outbreaks. Additionally, the candidate will engage in workshops of multiple European Union reference laboratories and advise the ministry during emergency situations. Next to the work for the statutory tasks, the scientist will work on applied virological research projects for other clients. A contribution to the acquisition of new projects in the field of vector borne and/or zoonotic viruses is part of the job.
Tasks and responsibilities:
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 “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”. Your qualities
You will work here 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 for complex problems in these fields.
WBVR has a unique position in the Netherlands, as it is the only research institute that is allowed to work with the 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, were large livestock animals (o.a. cattle) and smaller rodents can be housed. Also, facilities are in place to do research and animal experiments for BLS3 pathogens such as avian influenza and Coxiella. Different experts on specific pathogens, host responses, bioinformatics, pathology, epidemiology and diagnostics allows WBVR to work on the mission and vision of WBVR.
WBVR contributes to a society where animals and humans live a healthy life by scientific research to prevent the spread of animal diseases and promote health.
WBVR adds value to the agricultural and life sciences value chains by conducting contract research, R&D, and statutory research tasks. We serve the interests of the Dutch agro-food sector, (veterinary) public health, and the life sciences & health sectors. As contract-research organization we focus on market needs in the animal and human life sciences sectors.
WBVR has 3 focus points, healthy livestock, one health and high tech animal models (including the 3R’s). We offer Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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 € 6,228.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11). Additionally, for this role a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. 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. The work location is Houtribweg 39, Lelystad, the Netherlands. The work takes place in buildings with quarantine regulations. As a consequence, contact with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) sensitive animals and poultry production companies is not allowed for three days after work. 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. 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. Important information For information regarding this job you can contact Riks Maas, head of Department of One Health Virology, telephone number: +31 320 238891) or via email: riks.maas@wur.nl. Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via email: 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 Monday June 1st, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before Friday May 8, 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated. 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.
Research in the department One Health Virology of WBVR focuses on vector-borne, emerging and zoonotic veterinary viruses. We develop knowledge to prevent, detect and control viral diseases to improve the health of animals and humans. We now have a new position for a scientist to strengthen our department. The scientist will contribute to research related to the statutory tasks of our institute (WOT), as well as to research for other public or private partners.
The work in the context of the statutory tasks will focus on vector-borne viruses like Bluetongue virus and African Horse Sickness virus and zoonotic viruses like West-Nile virus and Rabies. After a training period, the scientist must be able to replace the head of the national reference laboratory for BTV in case of absence. The candidate will also actively participate in the crisis organization in case of specific disease outbreaks. Additionally, the candidate will engage in workshops of multiple European Union reference laboratories and advise the ministry during emergency situations. Next to the work for the statutory tasks, the scientist will work on applied virological research projects for other clients. A contribution to the acquisition of new projects in the field of vector borne and/or zoonotic viruses is part of the job.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- developing expertise on (notifiable) veterinary exotic viral diseases;
- you contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of veterinary virology;
- publish results in scientific journals, and present at (inter)national meetings;
- you will comply with (inter)national law and regulations related to transmissible diseases;
- you will be responsible to develop, execute, maintain and improve diagnostics related to diseases within your project and comply with ISO-17025 regulations;
- initiating new projects and writing of proposal for funding;
- participate, by rotation, in the 24/7 service for diagnostics on notifiable diseases.
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 “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”. Your qualities
- PhD in the field of microbiology, preferably in virology;
- preferably experience with viral diseases, including vector borne diseases;
- affinity with infectious veterinary viral diseases;
- excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Dutch;
- ambition to become a specialist and project leader in the field of veterinary viral diseases;
- enterprising/pro-active;
- quality consciousness;
- required competences: analytical, result-driven, critical, flexible, cooperation, teamwork.
You will work here 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 for complex problems in these fields.
WBVR has a unique position in the Netherlands, as it is the only research institute that is allowed to work with the 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, were large livestock animals (o.a. cattle) and smaller rodents can be housed. Also, facilities are in place to do research and animal experiments for BLS3 pathogens such as avian influenza and Coxiella. Different experts on specific pathogens, host responses, bioinformatics, pathology, epidemiology and diagnostics allows WBVR to work on the mission and vision of WBVR.
WBVR contributes to a society where animals and humans live a healthy life by scientific research to prevent the spread of animal diseases and promote health.
WBVR adds value to the agricultural and life sciences value chains by conducting contract research, R&D, and statutory research tasks. We serve the interests of the Dutch agro-food sector, (veterinary) public health, and the life sciences & health sectors. As contract-research organization we focus on market needs in the animal and human life sciences sectors.
WBVR has 3 focus points, healthy livestock, one health and high tech animal models (including the 3R’s). We offer 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.
- An inspiring work environment and integration into a team of experts, where you can further develop your skills in practice.
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 € 6,228.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11). Additionally, for this role a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. 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. The work location is Houtribweg 39, Lelystad, the Netherlands. The work takes place in buildings with quarantine regulations. As a consequence, contact with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) sensitive animals and poultry production companies is not allowed for three days after work. 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. 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. Important information For information regarding this job you can contact Riks Maas, head of Department of One Health Virology, telephone number: +31 320 238891) or via email: riks.maas@wur.nl. Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via email: 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 Monday June 1st, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before Friday May 8, 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 require a Certificate of Conduct.
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.
