PhD candidate on novel antimicrobials for bacterial airway infections

3 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Erasmus MC (University Medical Center Rotterdam)

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

22 May 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

36.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We offer a 4-year PhD position to test a new generation of antibiotics as a treatment for respiratory tract infections. This project is funded by ZonMw OPEN and unites the expertise of 4 academic research groups: Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Pharmacology University Utrecht; Microbiology University Utrecht and Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery- University Utrecht).

Background:
Effective treatment of bacterial infections is threatened by increasing rates of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance often results in delayed adequate treatment, increasing morbidity and mortality. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are frequent causes of respiratory infections, and known for increasing (multiple)resistance rates. Evidently, alternative treatments are warranted. We previously obtained evidence that certain compounds exert antimicrobial activity against respiratory bacteria. However, knowledge on the mechanism(s) of action and effects on host responses is currently lacking yet essential to makethese compounds successful antibacterials. The objective of this research project is to provide an alternative treatment strategy strategy for S. pneumonia and P. aeruginosa -related infections.

Strategy:
You will test the effectivity of these compounds as treatment of S.pneumoniae and P.aeruginosa infections both ex-vivo, using lung organoids or primary macrophages; as well as in-vivo, using mouse models for bacterial pulmonary infection (including luciferase-based in vivo imaging techniques) and assess optimal treatment regimens. Read-outs and used techniques include bacterial growth; bioluminescence; (primary) cell culture; flow cytometry; multiplex cytokine analyses; diverse microscopy technologies in combination with immunofluorescence staining.

Impact:
This project will unravel whether our target compounds, as stand-alone or antibiotic adjuvant therapy, qualify as a sustained treatment option for bacterial infections in humans but may also be applicable to the veterinary and agriculture field.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We seek a driven life science candidate with a keen focus on immunology and host-pathogen interactions. The ideal candidate is goal-driven, meticulously organized, proactive, dependable, and adaptable.

Specific qualifications:

• Applicants should have/expect to receive, a Master’s degree or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences, Biomolecular Life Sciences, Biology or related disciplines.
• Besides strong intrinsic motivation for doing science, emphasis will be on natural curiosity, creative thinking, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Experience in cell culture, bacterialflow cytometry, and analyzing large datasets.
• Affinity with or interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment is important.
• Possession of (or willing to obtain) Art 9/Felasa B certificate for animal experimentation.

Additional Information
Benefits

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 3017,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3824,- in the 4th year (scale OIO), based on a 36 hour workweek.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairservice.There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.
• An international office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay

Selection process

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Wendy Unger, project lead and head Infection & Immunity research group via 010 704 46 54 or [email protected]

If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website.

Additional comments

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Wendy Unger, project lead and head Infection & Immunity research group via 010 704 46 54 or [email protected]

If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/341125/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Erasmus MC

Country

Netherlands

City

Rotterdam

Postal Code

3015 GD

Street

Dr. Molewaterplein 40

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/341125/phd-candidate-on-novel-antimicrobial…

Contact

City

Rotterdam

Website

http://www.erasmusmc.nl/

Street

Dr. Molewaterplein 40

Postal Code

3015 GD

STATUS: EXPIRED