PhD student virulence and control of group A streptococcal infections

13 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Amsterdam UMC

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

27 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (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

Many countries, including the Netherlands, have observed a resurgence of invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections after lifting all COVID-19 control measures. In addition to shifts in affected age groups and clinical presentations, the emergence and dominance of specific emm types has been concerning.

The main objective of the BEATGAS project is to identify bacterial and host determinants that explain the current outbreak for the Netherlands through a combination of genomic, experimental wet-lab and epidemiological research. The PhD student will investigate and compare the genomes and virulence characteristics of GAS isolates before and after the COVID period to gauge changes in its’ disease-causing potential and perform population level seroprevalence studies for specific GAS antigens using available samples before, during, and after the COVID period. Due to lack of vaccines, effective public health measures are essential to control the ongoing re-emergence and surge of iGAS in and beyond the Netherlands. With this project, we aim to generate scientific evidence to identify specific risk factors and optimize iGAS disease at the public health level in the post-COVID-19 period.

This PhD project is embedded within the BEATGAS project, which is a collaborative study involving epidemiologists at the RIVM, medical microbiologists in different Dutch hospitals and a bioinformatician (post-doc).

The project has been awarded by the Dutch Research Council (ZonMW) and will run for 4 years. The PhD student will work in the group of Prof. Nina van Sorge at the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, location AMC at the Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands. At an international level, the project complements the work performed within the iSpy network (Global research network to combat deadly Strep A infections | Imperial News | Imperial College London ), which was recently awarded $10 million US to understand immunity to Group A streptococcus to help pave the way for vaccine development. This excellent international network will provide many interesting opportunities for collaborations within the BEATGAS project.

Your main goal is to unravel the molecular determinants of recently-emerged virulent GAS isolates by analysing genomic sequences in combination with wet-lab experiments. Wet-lab experimentation involves genetic manipulation of GAS isolates to verify loss-of function phenotypes, gene expression profiling, bacterial survival assays and possibly in vivo experiments in mouse models.

Complementary, you will perform antibody profiling studies for GAS-specific antigen in serum samples obtained before, during and after COVID-19 using multiplex flow cytometry or Luminex assays. This part of the projects aims to provide insight into the contribution of 'immunity debt' to iGAS re-emergence. The project therefore involves a wide range of in silico and in vitro techniques and is performed in close collaboration with clinical experts, epidemiologists and international GAS researchers.

Given the highly dynamic situation of iGAS epidemiology and the close collaboration with the Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis (NRLBM) , which performs the national surveillance of iGAS, the project is likely to adopt additional projects based on emerging situations.

The results will be published in peer-reviewed international journal as well as at (inter-)national meetings. The PhD is concluded by writing a formal PhD thesis according to the University of Amsterdam requirements.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• You hold a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences or other life-science relevant field;
• You have experience with molecular (micro-)biology techniques and/or flow cytometry;
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English;
• Affinity with bioinformatics analysis is preferred but not required;
• You are intrisically motivated, scientifically curious and a team player.

Additional Information
Benefits

• A great start of your research carreer in an internationally renowned research lab.
• Opportunity to perform creative and state-of-the art research in the field of infectious diseases
• Work in a mid-sized team on collaborative and independent projects with highly motivated colleagues and national and international collaborators and clinicians.
• As a student in the AMC Graduate School you will also have access to additional training and development
• We offer a contract for 6 months, with the intention to be extended.
• Salary scale OIO: € 2,901tot € 3,677 bruto with a full time appointment (depending on education and experience).
• In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance. Bereken hier jouw netto salaris .
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank.
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, AMR also has a sufficient number of parking spaces for employees.
• An active personnel association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organise fun (sports) activities and events.

Additional comments

The first interview rounds will take place in April 2024. Depending on the number and quality of applicants, a second interview round maybe required.

Questions? For information on the project or the research group in general please contact prof. dr. Nina van Sorge, Professor and project coördinator at [email protected] .

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Chey Edwards, Recruitment Advisor, via [email protected] or via +31 6 214 87 245.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/338930/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Amsterdam UMC

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1105AZ

Street

Meibergdreef 9

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/338930/phd-student-virulence-and-control-of…

Contact

City

Amsterdam Zuidoost

Website

https://www.amsterdamumc.org/

Street

Meibergdreef 9

Postal Code

1105 AZ

STATUS: EXPIRED