Wageningen University & Research
3 days ago
PhD in Insect Virology: Viral Manipulation of Caterpillar Behaviour in a Multidimensional Context Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Fully funded PhD position. Gross salary is €3,204 per month in the first year, rising to €4,051 per month in the fourth year under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, based on a 38-hour full-time week. The position starts with an 18-month temporary contract, extendable for the remainder of the project subject to satisfactory performance. A tailored course programme and employee benefits, including an 8.3% year-end bonus and pension scheme, are provided.
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Wageningen University & Research
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About this position
Wageningen University & Research is offering a fully funded PhD position in insect virology in the Insect Virology group of the Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen, Netherlands. The project examines how covert virus infections in insect hosts influence baculovirus-induced manipulation of caterpillar behaviour, including hyperactivity and climbing before death.
The PhD researcher will compare behavioural manipulation across related and distantly related baculoviruses and lepidopteran hosts, investigate the role of the insect virome, and study molecular mechanisms in the lepidopteran central nervous system. Methods include insect and virus experiments, dissections, transcriptome, proteome and small-RNA profiling, GFP-labelled viruses, hybridisation, antibody labelling, microscopy, RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9. The researcher will also teach courses and supervise BSc and MSc students.
The project is part of the NWO Vici project “Invisible influencers: How hidden virus infections shape insect life,” led by Dr. Vera Ros, with supervision by Dr. Vera Ros and Prof. Monique van Oers. The position is embedded in the PE&RC graduate school and involves collaboration with international researchers.
Applicants should hold an MSc in biology or a related field and have experience in entomology, molecular biology and preferably insect behaviour, plus basic bioinformatics knowledge and strong English communication and scientific-writing skills. English proficiency at C1 level is expected.
The position is fully funded, with a gross salary of €3,204 per month in year one rising to €4,051 in year four, based on 38 hours per week. The initial contract is 18 months and may be extended for the project duration. Apply by 20 November 2026 with a maximum three-page CV and motivation letter, and complete the mandatory online information form.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD position. Gross salary is €3,204 per month in the first year, rising to €4,051 per month in the fourth year under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, based on a 38-hour full-time week. The position starts with an 18-month temporary contract, extendable for the remainder of the project subject to satisfactory performance. A tailored course programme and employee benefits, including an 8.3% year-end bonus and pension scheme, are provided.
What's required
Applicants must have a successfully completed MSc degree in biology or a related field; a solid background in entomology and molecular biology; preferably experience with experiments involving insects and insect behaviour; proven experience with molecular biological techniques; basic knowledge of bioinformatics; strong analytical and conceptual thinking; ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international multidisciplinary research team; excellent written and spoken English and experience with scientific writing. English proficiency at C1 level is expected, and an internationally recognised certificate may sometimes be required.
How to apply
Apply through the vacancy page using the Apply button; only applications submitted through the WUR website will be considered. Submit an up-to-date CV of no more than two pages and a motivation letter of no more than one page, for a total maximum of three pages. Complete the mandatory additional information form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/HYqHMXUW3u.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.