The group of Dr. Ferry Hagen currently has a vacancy for a PhD student to work on evolution of fungal pathogenicity using phenotypic and whole genome analyses.

Description of the function:
Fungal outbreaks have emerged during the past two decades which were caused by previously rare genotypes or even novel species. These outbreaks have affected the health of humans and animals, mostly mammals and amphibians. Among these outbreaks are the white-nose-syndrome in bats, the global killing of amphibians by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, various Cryptococcus deuterogattii outbreaks and the global emergence of Candida auris. The latter was only a decade ago described as a new species and a few years later the first major outbreaks were reported. As there are hundreds of apparently non-pathogenic Candida species it is likely that some of these become pathogenic and/or resistant to antifungals, or that hybridization events will create these pathogenic species. The outbreaks caused by otherwise rare Candida species questions the mechanisms involved in pathogenicity and how this has evolved. The aim of this research project is to understand the evolution of pathogenicity among pathogenic Candida species, compared to those that do not. Phenotypic traits are studied by large-scale nutrient screening, the host-microbe interaction is investigated, and correlations with the genetic composition of each species are made by using whole genome data to determine which genetic content is responsible for increased pathogenicity.

The highly motivated candidate should have an M.Sc. degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences, excellent communication and social skills and affinity with fungal biology. Experience with standard molecular laboratory techniques such as gDNA isolation, PCR and sequencing is required. Experience with data mining from whole genomes is of added value.

Duration:
Initially one year with a potential extension.

Starting date:
Negotiable

Salary:
According to “CAO-Nederlandse Universiteiten” (CAO-NU) € 2.266,- in the first year, increasing to € 2.897,- in the fourth year, excluding 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.

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.