Going beyond the state-of-the-art, the overall aim of GlycoNoVi is training 10 researchers to address knowledge gaps on norovirus glycan interactions and investigate the exciting possibility of developing synthetic glycans as antiviral strategies to treat norovirus infection. These aims will be achieved by bringing together 5 academic and 3 industrial leaders in the fields of glycoscience, glycovirology and norovirus, and relying on a multidisciplinary and interconnected approach.

Glycans play a crucial role in viral infections by facilitating norovirus attachment and entry. Norovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis and foodborne illnesses, which result in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. While NoV infections are usually self-limiting in healthy individuals, they can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals, young children, and the elderly. Notably, no therapy is currently available to treat or prevent NoV infections. Although it is well-established that NoVs require specific glycans to infect host tissues and cells, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated.

As a PhD student in position 7 of this project, you will focus on investigating the mechanisms of norovirus infections in humans. Specifically, you will explore the role of glycan receptor binding in norovirus diversity and evolution. Your tasks will include mapping the binding properties of norovirus strains to tissues and glycans made available through the consortium, as well as analyzing how amino-acid mutations in the capsid protein can affect these properties. To achieve these goals, you will use state-of-the-art techniques such as whole genome sequencing, ELISA-based assays, virus histochemistry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), molecular dynamics simulations, and infection studies using organ-on-a-chip models and organoids.

The PhD project is part of the GlycoNoVi Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Doctorate Network (EDN), which is funded by the European Commission (Grant agreement no: 101072717). As a part of this project, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with 9 PhD students located throughout Europe. Additionally, you will perform secondments at the University of Florence (UNIFI), REACT4LIFE (Italy), and the University of Seville (USE).

• You should not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
• You must be in the first 4 years of your research career (as measured in full-time equivalents).
• MSc degree in Biology, Biomedical or Molecular Sciences, Immunology or (Veterinary) Medicine.
• Experience with cell culture and various molecular and/or and virological techniques.
• Experience in gathering and analyzing large data sets from public literature or databases.
• Good social and communication skills; excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Good time management and organisational skills. Inquisitive, reflective and eager to grow.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Dedication and enthusiasm for innovative research, combined with scientific curiosity and the capacity for teamwork in an interdisciplinary environment.
• To be appointed, you must be able to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct.

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 2.789 ,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.536,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• A 4% payraise starting 1 November.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

Erasmus MC

The Department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC employs more than 140 employees of different disciplines and runs an extensive experimental research program on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of infections by human and animal viruses. All necessary equipment to carry out the research proposed in the projects is available within the setting of the department. The Department of Viroscience harbors well-equipped clinical and experimental virology labs, in which all the virology, molecular biology, pathology and immunology techniques necessary for these projects are operational.