Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSv) is one of the most economically significant viruses affecting pig farming worldwide due to its major impact on animal health and productivity. Controlling PRRSv is highly challenging because of its rapid, often undetected spread and continuous genomic evolution. The Dutch pig production sector aims to become PRRSv-free by 2040. The ‘PRIDE’ project (PRRS-vrij: Innovatie voor een Duurzame en Economisch Verantwoorde Varkenshouderij) will provide knowledge and tools to support PRRSv elimination through the National PRRS Plan.
Your PhD project will be part of the PRIDE project and will focus on the virulence and transmission dynamics of PRRSv. Effective control of PRRSv requires insight into how the virus spreads between pig farms in the Netherlands. In addition, understanding which viral lineages are most virulent, and why, is essential for the development of targeted control measures. Finally, farmers need clear guidance on the biosecurity measures required to control the virus within farms.
To address these questions, you will work with genetic sequence data from PRRSv strains detected through the national PRRS surveillance programme, combined with relevant farm-level metadata, including geographic information and antibiotic use data. You will apply innovative phylodynamic and epidemiological methods to investigate your research questions.
As a PhD candidate, you will be based in the Veterinary Epidemiology group at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University. You will be supervised by Marina Meester, Tijs Tobias, and Gerdien van Schaik, whose expertise spans molecular epidemiology, swine health management, and veterinary epidemiology. The project is conducted in collaboration with CoViVa (Coalitie Vitale Varkenshouderij), Royal GD, Wageningen Social & Economic Research, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders. You will collaborate closely with Royal GD on data analysis and regularly communicate your findings with project partners. In addition to publishing scientific papers, you will also write lay summaries of your results to inform pig farmers and veterinarians.
You will be enrolled in the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences, where you will receive training and guidance to support both your research and professional development, providing an excellent foundation for an independent academic career. As part of your PhD trajectory, there will also be opportunities to co-supervise MSc students and contribute to teaching activities.
We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications and qualities:
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a Master’s degree in epidemiology, animal sciences, veterinary medicine, computational biology, bioinformatics or a related discipline;
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a strong interest in infectious disease epidemiology and viral evolution;
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affinity with livestock farming and the motivation to contribute to improved swine health;
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strong analytical skills for data interpretation and statistical analysis;
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excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate scientific ideas and results effectively;
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experience with phylodynamic analyses is considered an advantage;
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fluency in spoken Dutch is considered an asset;
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demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English.
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a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment; ((go/no-go decision after one year);
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a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.
You will become part of the veterinary epidemiology group in the department of Population Health Sciences, led by prof. dr. Arjan Stegeman. The epidemiology group is an internationally oriented group of more than 20 team members with expertise in field, experimental and theoretical epidemiology, as well as surveillance, evidence-based veterinary medicine, statistics and animal health economics. Furthermore, we are responsible for teaching epidemiology and statistics to veterinary students and participate in several bachelor and master-programs across the Utrecht University, in particular the MSc Epidemiology. As a team, we support each other and prioritize collaboration in the light of both professional and personal development.
For more information, please contact Dr. Marina Meester at [email protected].
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
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.
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To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
The application deadline is June 14th.
Interviews will take place on June 29th and 30th. Please keep these dates reserved for a potential invitation.
