Postdoc bacterial defense systems in phage therapy

4 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht)

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

24 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (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

Phage therapy is a promising alternative for antibiotics in treating multi-resistant bacterial infections. Bacteria evolved defense systems to overcome bacteriophage killing. This limits phage host range and complicates routine therapeutic application of bacteriophages. In turn, bacteriophages have evolved counter defense systems to overcome bacterial defenses and can adapt to prevent defense recognition. In this project we aim to identify the most relevant defense and counter defense mechanisms in clinical strains and phages of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We will use this knowledge to adapt phages in order to broaden their host range.

The project is a collaboration between UMC-Utrecht and TU-Delft (Department of Bionanoscience). Focus of TU-Delft will be on (counter) defense mechanisms while UMC-Utrecht will focus on interaction with P. aeruginosa and adaptations needed to overcome phage defense systems. We aim at translating the results of this project to the clinical practice.

As a key member of the project team, which includes a dedicated technician and external collaborators you will be responsible for the progression of the project at the UMC-Utrecht. You will perform molecular and cellular microbiology techniques aimed at adapting bacterial strains and bacteriophages. You will be involved in the supervision of master or PhD students, in teaching and in the preparation of publications. The position is for the duration of 2 years.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

The successful candidate should hold a PhD and strong knowledge in one or more of the following: molecular microbiology, bacteriology, microbial physiology, phage biology or biochemistry. Experience with bacteriophages is not a specific prerequisite. Candidate should have a track record of creativity in developing experimental strategies. Must be self-motivated and capable to work in autonomy, but also able to collaborate with other scientists in our team. Evidence of scientific accomplishment via peer-reviewed publications is required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. Candidates will be stimulated to write personal grants.

Additional Information
Benefits

The maximum salary for this position (32 - 36 hours) is € 5.292,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

Additional comments

Contact our colleague:
Pieter-Jan Haas
088 75 507 65
[email protected]

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/339821/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

UMC Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CX

Street

Heidelberglaan 100

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/339821/postdoc-bacterial-defense-systems-in…

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.umcutrecht.nl/

Street

Heidelberglaan 100

Postal Code

3584 CX

STATUS: EXPIRED