PhD candidate on the role of type VII secretion systems in mycobacterial warfare

You will be part of an international and interdisciplinary consortium, funded by an ERC Synergy grant, focusing on the central roles of mycobacterial type VII secretion systems in intra- and inter-kingdom warfare.

All bacteria interact with other living organisms, whether they live within microbial communities or cause disease in higher eukaryotic hosts. A major way bacteria interact is through extracellular proteins secreted by numerous secretion systems, of which type VII secretion systems (T7SSs) are the most abundant in mycobacteria. These transport systems are best known to be involved in crucial host interactions of pathogenic mycobacteria, such as the deadliest bacterial pathogen for humans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The ERC-project follows up on recent findings by the consortium that both the roles of T7SSs and their substrates are more diverse than thus far thought. Within this program, you will focus on one of the recently discovered new roles, namely in killing competing bacteria by secreting toxins. You will study the role of a T7SS in interbacterial killing, identify new T7SS substrates by extensive proteomic analysis, and identify the mode of action and the mechanism of secretion of a selection of toxins. For this, you will learn and use a wide range of state-of-the-art genetic and molecular approaches, combined with advanced mass spectrometry and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. You will extensively collaborate with the other groups in the consortium, based in Lausanne, Hamburg and Newcastle.

The planned starting date for the project is between April and September 2025.

Requirements:

• MSc-degree in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, life sciences or a related discipline. Also, candidates close to graduating are encouraged to apply.
• Strong motivation to pursue a research career
• Theoretical knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology and protein science
• Practical experience in microbiology and/or molecular biology
• English conversation, writing skills, and presentation skills

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment.
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• space for personal development
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center

De Boelelaan 1108