Bacteria are successful organisms that thrive in most environments. They withstand challenging conditions by synthesizing a stress-bearing cell wall, which is highly conserved in bacteria. Interestingly, some actinobacteria -paradoxically- have a natural ability to shed their wall under influence of stress, generating so-called cell wall-deficient cells. This wall-deficient state is not permanent and allows cells to switch back to their canonical walled mode-of-growth. With a recently awarded Vici grant from NWO, we want to investigate how bacteria mechanistically switch between a walled and wall-deficient state, and what the physiological consequences are of a transient wall-deficient state. The three PhD candidates will become part of a diverse and interdisciplinary research team. Our strength is the shared passion in and collaborative nature of our research.

• An MSc degree with a strong background in microbiology, molecular genetics, microscopy and/or biochemistry and an excellent grade list;
• A critical mindset with the ability to think outside the box;
• A can-do attitude;
• An excellent spoken and written English level and is expected to master the Dutch language sufficiently.  

We offer a  full-time position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from € 2,395.- to € 3,061.- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreeme nt 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.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University

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 2.200 staff and almost 4,200 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.