Postdoc on Streptomyces development

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The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a:

Postdoc on Streptomyces development 

Vacancy number: 23-190

Job description
Streptomycetes are multicellular filamentous bacteria that grow as a mycelium and reproduce by sporulation. The life cycle of Streptomyces is complex and unique where the development of the bacteria is also associated with the production of bioactive natural products. In Streptomyces, complex and intertwining regulatory networks, consisting of pathway-specific and global regulators, control development and antibiotic production in response to environmental and host cues. This postdoctoral  research project aims to understand and exploit the regulatory networks that control gene expression in Streptomyces bacteria and allow them to properly respond to major changes in the environment and to better understand their multi-cellular life cycle. Genes involved in (the control of) growth, cell wall synthesis and cell division will be identified following screening of a mutant library, with several candidates available at the start of the project. Their role in the cell biology of Streptomyces will be studied in detail, using advanced microscopy, biochemistry and molecular biology tools.
You will study the cell biology of Streptomyces using advanced molecular biology and genome editing technologies (including Crispr-Cas), and apply advanced fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy to study the cells at molecular detail. 

Qualifications and skills
•    PhD in (molecular) microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology or similar discipline
•    Microbiologist with proven expertise in molecular biology and microbial cell biology, including advanced microscopy, preferably expertise with multicellular bacteria such as Streptomyces
•    Affinity for biochemistry, protein-protein interactions
•    Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills
•    Team player with strong social skills, dedicated to innovative research combined with scientific curiosity
•    Excellent oral and written English communication skills

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. 

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has almost 2800 staff and more than 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see  https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at  

The Institute for Biology
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences,  Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.   

Terms and conditions  
We offer a 2.5 year full-time, fixed-term post. Salary range from € 2.960 to € 4.670 gross per month (pay scale 10, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information 
Questions about this Postdoc position can be addressed to Gilles van Wezel [email protected]  or to Mariana Avalos Garcia [email protected]  

Applications 
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to [email protected] .  Please ensure that you upload a single pdf file containing the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
•    Motivation letter
•    CV
•    PhD diploma

Only applications received before 4 April 2023 can be considered.

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