Academic grant writer for Infection and Immunity research

As an Academic Grant Writer, you will play a central role in strengthening the research funding portfolio of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunity within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Working closely with principal investigators and research teams, you will support the entire pre-award grant development process.

Your job

Your responsibilities include:

• Supporting idea development and assessing alignment with national and international funding calls;
• Identifying suitable funding opportunities and advising researchers on funding strategies;
• Leading the development of competitive grant proposals—including personal fellowships, project grants, and consortium grants—by drafting, coordinating, reviewing, and editing applications;
• Identifying and engaging collaboration partners from academia, industry, and the private sector;
• Preparing and coordinating project budgets in collaboration with researchers and financial support staff;
• Serving as a point of contact for funding organizations.

You will work closely with our Faculty Research Support Office to identify relevant research funding opportunities and ensure alignment with institutional processes. In addition, you will actively contribute to expanding and maintaining the division’s professional network, including collaborations with private-sector partners. You will also participate in monthly meetings with fellow grant writers and project managers across the Faculty, providing opportunities for peer support, knowledge exchange, and professional development.

The division’s research focuses on a broad range of topics in immunology and infectious diseases, including the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune responses, the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections, antimicrobial resistance, and the role of extracellular vesicles in infection in both humans and animals. More information about the research groups can be found here (link Infection Biology), here (link KLIF), and here (link Immunology).

You will work in a multidisciplinary, international, and inspiring environment that values initiative, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and professional development.

This position offers excellent opportunities to further develop your skills and advance your career. You will receive regular coaching and feedback from experienced colleagues and have access to a wide range of courses and training programmes through the Utrecht University Development Programme.

Your qualities

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic grant writer who understands what it takes to secure funding for excellent research and who enjoys facilitating this process. You recognize the dynamics of academic research and are motivated to support researchers in translating innovative ideas into successful funding applications. Therefore, you:

• Hold a PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, or a related field, or have equivalent experience in a research environment;
• Have several years of experience in grant development, including drafting and coordinating competitive grant proposals beyond your own funding applications;
• Have proven experience in developing competitive grant proposals for national and/or European funding schemes;
• Are familiar with Dutch and European research funding systems and programmes (e.g. NWO, Health~Holland, Horizon Europe);
• Can independently manage multiple proposals simultaneously while balancing and aligning internal and external interests and input;
• Have an affinity with Infection & Immunity research;
• Have excellent English writing and communication skills;
• Are a team player who is enthusiastic about supporting fellow researchers.

Our offer

• a contract for 12 months with the prospect of a permanent employment contract;
• a working week of 32- 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 4.925 and €6.682 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

More information

For more information, please contact Prof. Jaap Wagenaar at j.wagenaar@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

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To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.