Academic grant writer for Infection and Immunity research

Academic grant writer for Infection and Immunity research

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department: Department Biomolecular Health Sciences Hours per week: 32 to 40 Application deadline: 27 March 2026

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. You will work closely with principal investigators and research teams to support the full pre-award grant development process and, where relevant, coordinate key post-award activities.

Your job

Your responsibilities include:

• Supporting idea formation and assessing alignment with (inter)national funding calls;
• Identifying suitable funding opportunities and advising researchers on funding strategies;
• Identifying collaboration partners, including academic, private, and industrial partners;
• Drafting, reviewing, and editing competitive grant proposals (personal fellowships, project grants, and consortium grants);
• Preparing and coordinating project budgets in collaboration with researchers and financial support staff;
• Acting as a point of contact with funding organizations;
• Supporting selected post-award activities, such as project coordination and reporting, in collaboration with the PI.

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 be actively engaged in expanding and maintaining the group’s professional network, including private partners. Additionally, you will participate in monthly meetings with fellow grant writers and project managers across the Faculty, providing opportunities for peer support and knowledge exchange.

The research within the division focuses on understanding a broad spectrum of immunological and infectious disease topics, including mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune responses, 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 (Infection Biology, Immunology and Clinical Infectiology) can be found on the website .

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

This position offers many opportunities to further develop your talents, which will benefit your career. You will receive coaching and feedback from your colleagues on a regular basis, and there are multiple opportunities to follow specific courses and training programs within the Utrecht University Development Program.

Your qualities

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative team player who knows what it takes to do excellent research and who enjoys facilitating this. You recognize the dynamics of academic research and are motivated to support researchers in translating strong ideas into successful funding applications. You are enthusiastic to support other researchers and are able to build and maintain professional networks. Therefore:

• You hold a PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, or a related field
• You have proven experience with grant writing, project budgeting, and research project management
• You have affinity with Infection & Immunity research
• You have excellent English writing and presentation skills
• You are familiar with Dutch and European research funding systems and programs (e.g., NWO, Health Holland, Horizon Europe)
• You have affinity with identifying and engaging private or industrial partners for public-private funding schemes

Our offer

• We offer a full-time position, starting with a one year contract. An extension is possible if performance is satisfactory. Working remotely for part of the work week is possible, but at least two days on site are required.
• a working week of 32 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 4.728 and €6.433 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 +31-302531099 or j.wagenaaruu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

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

The application deadline is 27 March 2026.