Postdoc – Viral Vector Specialist

We offer a position for a postdoc in viral vector production project at the Innovation Center for Advanced Therapies (ICAT) within the UMC Utrecht. We are looking for a postdoc with knowledge and experience in viral vector development and production for engineered cell manufacturing and gene editing. The project is funded by several NL and EU grants and aims to build an in-house viral vector production platform within UMC Utrecht, to support development of novel therapies for cancer treatment and beyond. Your role is to develop the production process and its technology platform, and to provide vector material for the novel immune therapy. 

The position is embedded within the UMC Utrecht at the Innovation Center for Advanced Therapies. The project focusses on building an in-house viral vector production platform within UMC Utrecht, to support development of novel strategies for the treatment of cancer. The work will be carried out in collaboration withi the research group of Prof. Jürgen Kuball and dr. Zsolt Sebestyen. Due to the nature of the fundings, you are also expected to be part of the consortiums where the grant came from.  

• PhD or MSc in Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Virology, Cell Biology, or Molecular Biology.
• MSc with at least 5 years of applied virology experience.
• Hands-on experience in GMP, tech transfer, and viral vector screening.
• Expertise in viral vector design, characterization, and production.
• Proficient in RV, LV, and/or AAV production using HEK293 or similar cell lines.
• Strong background in upstream and downstream process development.
• Bonus for expertise in viral and host cell genome engineering.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques (ELISA, qPCR, electrophoresis).
• Self-motivated, accountable, with excellent communication skills.
• Proficient in English, capable of presenting technical information.
• Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills.
• Thrives in an innovation-driven, collaborative environment.
• Can work independently and collaboratively in an international team.
• Full-time availability.

• We offer a fulltime position (1.0 FTE) for a period of one year with the aim to extend the position in case of a good performance.
• A salary between €3359 and €5292 gross per month (salary scale 10), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• Access to a variety of online courses through GoodHabitz.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.