Have you completed a vocational or higher vocational education programme and are you ready for a new challenge as a bacteriological animal disease analyst in an inspiring and dynamic environment? Would you like to develop your skills in virological diagnostics? But also take on the challenge of developing your skills in bacteriological diagnostics? At Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad, we are looking for an enthusiastic analyst to join our close-knit team.
As an analyst at DCO, you will work with your colleagues to carry out diagnostics on large numbers of samples to screen for animal diseases such as Avian Influenza (AI), Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA). You will be involved in a wide range of serological tests, such as ELISA, virus neutralisation tests (VNTs), haemagglutination tests and virus isolations, which are carried out in both BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories. For a large proportion of these tests, multiple cell lines are maintained in culture. As these are mostly classical serological tests, the majority of the tests are carried out manually. In addition, you may be deployed flexibly to other departments within WBVR, or asked to assist during outbreaks of animal diseases.
Your duties and responsibilities as an Analyst are:
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carrying out diagnostic analyses on large numbers of samples to detect animal diseases (including AI, KVP and EIA);
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carrying out standard virological techniques, including virus neutralisation tests (VNTs), haemagglutination tests and virus isolations;
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performing ELISA assays targeting various viruses and bacteria;
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working in both BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments in accordance with applicable safety and quality guidelines;
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establishing, maintaining and monitoring various cell lines for virological research;
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manually performing laboratory tests with a high degree of accuracy and care;
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interpreting and recording test results in accordance with established protocols;
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collaborating with fellow analysts within a team-oriented working environment;
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flexible deployment to other departments within WBVR depending on operational needs;
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contributing to the scaling up of diagnostic activities during outbreaks of animal diseases;
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actively contributing to quality assurance and the continuous improvement of work processes.
The work will take place in buildings that remain subject to additional quarantine restrictions after they have been vacated (in accordance with EU regulations). This means that it is not permitted to keep cloven-hoofed animals. Furthermore, for 72 hours following the work, it is not permitted to have contact with these animals or to visit poultry production facilities.
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research
The diagnostic laboratories of Wageningen Bioveterinary Research in Lelystad are responsible for diagnostic testing in the context of monitoring and suspected cases of notifiable viral and bacterial animal diseases, as well as for carrying out export diagnostics. Quality is paramount in the performance of diagnostic testing. In addition to carrying out diagnostics, new tests are developed, implemented and validated. With an enthusiastic team of well-trained analysts, the work is largely carried out in the high-containment unit.
You will be working alongside the ELISA and VSL teams, among others. These consist of twelve colleagues. But of course, you will also be in contact with the other laboratories in the high-containment unit. The Diagnostics and Crisis Management Department comprises 59 staff members.
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have completed a higher professional education (HBO) degree in Biotechnology;
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have an enthusiastic, quality-focused and proactive attitude;
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take a critical approach to your work, with quality being a top priority;
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can handle pressure and remain calm during busy periods or outbreaks of animal disease;
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are willing to work outside office hours and to work weekend and evening shifts.
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you have a good command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written, as you must be able to work in accordance with the applicable protocols.
You also have:
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experience with cell culture;
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experience with conventional serological tests;
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experience with ELISA techniques;
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experience in carrying out tests in accordance with ISO 17025 standards.
As you can see, there are plenty of challenges ahead for you. These challenges can also be seen as opportunities for development. So, even if you don’t yet have the track record specified in the job advertisement but do have solid work experience, we would still like to invite you to apply.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
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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 € 2.824,- and € 3.567,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 6). 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.
Due to Dutch immigration laws, candidates from outside the EU/EFTA zone, can usually not be hired for this position. More information can be found on the website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service.
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.
For more information about the position, please contact Carola Jüstel, Head Department Diagnostic Services and Crisis Management, via telephone: +31 (0)6-15268105 or via email: [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via [email protected].
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 July 13, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 19 June 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
Procedure
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A pre-employment screening forms part of the selection process.
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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.
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.
