Postdoc Researcher in Molecular Virology of Herpesviruses at Erasmus MC

The Department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Virology of Herpesviruses. This position is part of the HerpeslabNL team, which focuses on understanding the latency and pathogenesis of human neurotropic herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). The research aims to elucidate virus and host factors involved in immune control and disease progression, with a particular emphasis on alpha-herpesvirus latency-associated transcripts (LATs) and their interactions with host cells during both productive and latent infections. The successful candidate will perform structural characterization of LATs using advanced sequencing technologies, utilize neuronal culture models to study virus-host interactions, and validate findings in latently infected ganglia through in situ analyses. The role also involves computational modeling and bioinformatic analysis of complex datasets, contributing to innovative strategies for targeting viral latency. Collaboration with national and international partners is a key aspect of the position. Applicants must have a PhD in Virology, Molecular Cell Biology, or a related field, with a strong background in molecular virology and/or molecular biology. Experience with virological techniques, RNA interactome capture, neuronal cell culture models, and bioinformatic analyses (including RNA-sequencing, Nanopore sequencing, and Mass-Spectrometry datasets) is highly desirable. Familiarity with structural modeling tools such as RNAfold, trRosettaRNA, and AlphaFold is advantageous. Excellent English communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are required. The position is fully funded for up to three years, with a competitive salary ranging from €3,598 to €5,669 per month (scale 10) for a 36-hour workweek. Additional benefits include a 13th month salary, travel expense package, pension insurance, access to a physiotherapist and bicycle repairer, and a gym. The International Office provides support for relocation and settling in. The application deadline is March 5, 2026. To apply, candidates should submit their application via the Erasmus MC vacancy portal. For further information, potential applicants can contact Assistant Professor Werner Ouwendijk. This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class research team at the forefront of virology and molecular biology, contributing to impactful research with clinical relevance.