Mycetoma is a tropical neglected infectious disease characterised by massive tumourlike lesions on the foot. In may 2016 it was recognized by the WHO as a neglected tropical disease. Within these lesions the micro-organisms will form grains which act as a shield for antimicrobial agents. This makes the disease difficult to treat, with a poor therapeutic outcome and 25% of the patients undergoing amputation. Therefore ErasmusMC uses an open science approach to identify and develop the desperately needed novel drugs for mycetoma. In this world-wide consortium chemists and biologists from over the whole world collaborate. The task of the ErasmusMC is to find novel drug targets against which drug compounds can be generated.

In this project we are therefore looking for an enthusiastic post-doc who will isolate RNA from invertebrate infection models and performs transcriptomic analysis to identify potential drug targets. These analysis will be in collaboration with our international partners. To verify the identified targets you will also create knock-outs in the most common fungal and bacterial causative agent of mycetoma. The knock-outs will be validated in in vitro and invertebrate models.

• You are a highly motivated and creative junior researcher.
• You have obtained your MSc in the field of biology, medical biology or similar and have experience in cell culture and/or microbiological research.
• You have the ability to conduct innovative research, both as an independent researcher and as a strong team player.
• You are accurate and thorough and have good command of the English language, both verbally and in writing.

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 6.402,- (scale 11), depending on your level of education and relevant experience, based on a full-time working week of 36 hours.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• 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 Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MMID) employs more than 130 employees of different disciplines. Medical microbiologists, infectious diseases specialists, technicians, and infection control practitioners work closely together with professionals of other departments to treat and prevent infections in patients in the Erasmus MC.

Research is focused on 3 topics:

• Emerging antimicrobial resistance;
• Healthcare-related infections;
• Emerging infections of global importance.

The Department of MMID harbors well-equipped diagnostic (ISO 15189 accredited) and research laboratories, in which a large variety of techniques are operational.