PhD in Virus–Glycan Interactions & Receptor Binding

Sport Society; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday pay

8.3% year-end bonus

Pension scheme

Flexible terms of employment

Job summary

Utrecht University is offering a PhD position focused on virus–glycan interactions. The project investigates how Influenza A viruses bind glycans and adapt to hosts, using glycan arrays, engineered glycans and binding assays within a multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will study receptor binding across strains, contribute to in vitro receptor models, and collaborate with national influenza researchers. English communications required.

Qualifications

• Completed Master’s degree in a relevant field such as molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, glycoscience or virology.
• Hands-on experience in molecular/cell biology, biochemical or enzymatic assays, glycan or protein analysis.
• Interest in virus–host interactions and expressed flu knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how Influenza A viruses bind to host glycans and how receptor binding evolves across strains.
• Work with glycan arrays, engineered glycans, and influenza binding assays.
• Characterise virus–glycan interactions and contribute to receptor model development.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Glycoscience

Virology

Enzymology

Glycan analysis

Education

Master's degree in Molecular Biology

Master's degree in Biochemistry

Master's degree in Chemical Biology

Master's degree in Glycoscience

Master's degree in Virology

Tools

Glycan arrays

Engineered glycans

Influenza binding assays

ELISA

Microscopy

FACS

Glycan analysis

Job description

Utrecht University is offering a PhD position focused on virus–glycan interactions. The project investigates how Influenza A viruses bind glycans and adapt to hosts, using glycan arrays, engineered glycans and binding assays within a multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will study receptor binding across strains, contribute to in vitro receptor models, and collaborate with national influenza researchers. English communications required.