BSc Research Technician Virology

Your job

Do you want to help combat animal disease outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue? Do you have experience with virological, immunological, and molecular techniques, and do you want to participate in research into viral diseases and thereby contribute to the health of animals and humans? Then read on and apply quickly!

An important task of WBVR as a national reference laboratory is to develop and validate diagnostic tests to detect notifiable viral diseases as effectively as possible at an early stage. In addition, research is conducted into these viral diseases to develop expertise to advise the government on the prevention and control of animal disease outbreaks.WBVR also collaborates with various clients to develop new vaccines and study their efficacy. Within the One Health Virology team, we are looking for a flexible researcher with a Bachelor's degree to work on this.

An important part of the work involves setting up, adapting, validating, and accrediting diagnostic tests (particularly PCR, sequencing, ELISA, and VNT). In addition, you are involved - especially during the critical period of an outbreak - in the further characterization of detected viruses (PCRs, whole-genome sequencing) and database management. If the situation requires it, you also contribute to the rapid development of new diagnostic tests. Furthermore, you work on (molecular) virological research projects aimed at developing and testing new vaccines and combating various viral diseases. For these tasks, experience with virological, immunological, and molecular techniques is important, alongside quality awareness and communication skills.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• performing, setting up, validating, and accrediting diagnostic tests for notifiable animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue;
• contributing ideas for improving diagnostics and setting up new techniques;
• conducting research projects. These may include molecular virological studies into new vaccines, as well as studies to test the efficacy of new vaccines.

Your team

You will be working alongside your colleagues in the One Health Virology department at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad.

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).

Your qualities

You possess:

• a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, such as Biology and Medical Laboratory Research (HLO program);
• knowledge of and experience with performing (molecular) virological and immunological techniques and ensuring the quality of tests;
• affinity with laboratory diagnostics and quality matters (ISO 17025);
• you are proactive, work accurately, think analytically, and can organize your work well;
• you value good teamwork;
• you have a good command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written The work will largely take place in buildings subject to quarantine restrictions based on EU regulations upon departure.

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;
• there is a strong focus on vitality;
• a fixed year-end 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 € 3,132.- and € 4,560.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 7/8). Additionally, for this role a contract for 32 to 36 hours can be discussed. We initially offer a one-year contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the organisation’s financial situation.

If you are an internal employee, your current contract is the starting point. Ask your HR Business Partner about your situation specifically. 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.

You will work in an international and open working environment.

Coming from abroad

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 “orientationyear” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledgemigrant”.

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 more information about the position, please contact Dr. Riks Maas, Head of Department, One Health Virology, via phone 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 12 October 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 26 September 2026.

Procedure

• A pre-employment screening forms part of the selection process.
• Upon commencement of employment, we require a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).

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.