About your role
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate for the recently started project DARTBAC: Dutch Antimicrobial Resistance Technology development and Biofilm Assessment Consortium. The performance of novel antimicrobial technologies involving biomaterial applications will be evaluated in ex vivo and in vivo systems, in particular in mouse models of bone or subcutaneous implant infection. You will tailor these models for testing of release systems/coatings with (novel) antimicrobial agents such as synthetic antimicrobial and antibiofilm peptides (SAAPs), photosensitizers, or bioactive glass for their antimicrobial capacity. Subsequently, you will assess the efficacy of novel systems in these models against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Since antimicrobial efficacy is also critically dependent on the host immune response, detailed studies will be performed to analyse cellular immune responses, inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and their regulation. In this way, novel antimicrobial biomaterials can be developed based on the so-called ‘safe-by-design’ principle.
You can find more information on the DARTBAC consortium on the DARTBAC website.

The project
The DARTBAC project aims to develop novel antimicrobial technologies, not based on antibiotics, to target infection prevention and eradication in all tissues and on implant (biomaterial) surfaces. In this way we aim to help prevent the rise of the anti-microbial resistance, which will constitute a major societal impact. DARTBAC is an interdisciplinary consortium consisting of academic partners, technical universities, university medical centres, small and large medical device companies with antimicrobial technologies and knowledge institutes.

About you
We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative PhD candidate with a master’s degree or equivalent in (micro)biology, biomedical sciences, (veterinary) medicine or a related field, with a keen interest in infectious diseases and willing to conduct animal experiments. Experience in microbiology, immunology and/or working with animal models (mice or rat) is considered a strong advantage. Being certified to conduct animal experiments in the EU (Art. 9/FELASA license or equivalent) is highly recommended. You are able to work in an international team and to work independently in analysing, interpreting and reporting data. Good communication skills and proficiency in English, and the ability to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment are essential.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year (12 months) with the intention to be extended for another 36 months.

Our offer

• A jump start to your career in research work.
• All te space for you to contribute shaping the care of tomorrow.
• Working on large-scale and research project, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• We offer a contract for a year (12 months) with the intention to be extended for another 36 months.
• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8.0% holiday pay.
• The base salary does not include holiday pay (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%). 
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, AMC also has a sufficient number of parking spaces for employees.
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank. 

Amsterdam UMC

The Academic Medical Center (AMC) and the VU University Medical Center (VUmc) today joined forces in an administrative merger. The chairmen of both Boards of Directors signed the merger into force this afternoon. The signing ceremony took place in downtown Amsterdam, in a fitting location overflowing with Dutch medical history: the 17th century Anatomy Theater in a traditional weighing house called De Waag.

Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention of the Amsterdam UMC - AMC is responsible for clinical diagnostics and infectious disease consultations, (bio)medical education and training, and research and development across the full range of disciplines in medical microbiology, including bacteriology, virology and parasitology. The department is also responsible for the clinical supervision of the microbiology laboratory of the Amsterdam Public Health Service (GGD), responsible for primary care and public health microbiology in Amsterdam. You will join Dr. S.A.J. Zaat’s group within the laboratory of Experimental Bacteriology, in the research line “Biomaterial-associated infection (BAI) and novel antimicrobial strategies”. The group focusses on pathogenesis, prevention and rapid diagnosis of BAI and other infections, and the development of novel antimicrobial strategies, in particular of novel antimicrobial peptides. The research involves collaborations with Immunology, Pathology, and clinical disciplines such as Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, Maxillofacial Surgery, Urology and Intensive Care Medicine. This broad field of research and network offers excellent opportunities to develop your research skills with virtually every necessary expertise close at hand.