Post doc, The intracellular fate of pathogenic mycobacteria

 

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

Post doc, The intracellular fate of pathogenic mycobacteria
Vacancy number: 22-656

Key responsibilities
“Live or let die: The intracellular fate of pathogenic mycobacteria” is project by a national consortium funded by the Dutch Research Council (OCENW.XL21.XL21.006). Mycobacteria are best known for the notorious pathogen that causes tuberculosis. However, several other nontuberculous mycobacterial species are emerging as important opportunistic pathogens of humans and are difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. All pathogenic mycobacteria share the ability to adopt an intracellular life style inside host immune cells, the macrophages. We aim to elucidate the bacterial and host factors responsible for this host-pathogen interplay and use the resulting knowledge to develop new ways to treat these infections.

The ultimate goal of the postdoc project is to identify host resistance factors that enhance the microbicidal capacity of mycobacterium-infected cells. To this end, the postdoc will investigate host proteins that are associated with the intracellular vesicles where mycobacteria reside, such as autophagy modulators of the DRAM family. High resolution confocal imaging and electron microscopy studies in the zebrafish model will be used to study the role of these proteins in the context of granuloma formation, a key step in step in mycobacterial pathogenesis.

Selection Criteria

• PhD in biology, biomedical sciences, life sciences or a related discipline (also candidates close to graduating are encouraged to apply)
• Experience in immunology, especially innate immunity
• Strong practical skills in molecular and cellular biology
• Experience with confocal microscopy, mammalian cell culture, and/or zebrafish disease models
• English conversation, writing skills, and presentation skills
• Communication and social 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 more than 2300 staff and almost 5000 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  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  https://workingat.leiden.edu/

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 full-time, 1 year term position, with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. 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
Enquiries can be made to  Prof. dr. Annemarie H. Meijer ( a.h.meijer@biology.leidenuniv.nl ). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Sylvia Maas (jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• MSc grade list
• Names and contact details of two previous supervisors who may be contacted for a reference

Only applications received before 31 October 2022 can be considered.

Apply now