The Fungal Natural Products currently has a vacancy for a technician in microbiology/molecular biology. 

Description of the function:
Projects in the Fungal Natural Products group focuses on the discovery of fungal secondary metabolites, especially those that exhibit antimicrobial activities. We are also interested in understanding the biosynthetic pathways of these compounds and how such pathways evolve. We employ a multidisciplinary approach that relies on methods in microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular and cellular biology, synthetic biology and chemistry.

The successful applicant will be involved in projects dealing with the discovery of new antimicrobials. Experimental tasks will include, but not restricted to, performing bacterial and fungal cultures, metabolite extraction and separation using different chromatography methods, bioassays for antimicrobial activity and microscopy. Molecular biology methods like nucleic acid isolation and PCR will also be performed.

We are looking for candidates with:

• MBO/HBO degree in microbiology or molecular biology
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Team player attitude
• Experience in microbiology is strictly required
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology, as well as chemistry methods, is recommended.

According to “CAO-Nederlandse Universiteiten” (CAO-NU) depending on experience, excluding 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.

Starting date: as soon as possible 

Duration: Initially one year with a potential extension.

Westerdijk Institute

The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (Westerdijk Institute) is an Academy research institute that maintains a world-renowned microbial biological resource centre of living fungi, yeasts and bacteria. It is a centre of expertise on mycology and conducts research on the evolution, taxonomy and biodiversity of fungi and yeasts. The institute generates and shares scientific knowledge and answers questions relevant to society together with other research institutes, partners in civil society and industry.