PhD candidate in infectious disease phylodynamics

Universiteit Utrecht

Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Full time
Posted June 01, 2026

Job Description

Are you eager to do a PhD at the intersection of molecular epidemiology and animal health? Join our team to study the evolution and transmission of PRRS virus.

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 job

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 th...