The group of Prof. Jeroen den Hertog currently has a vacancy for a Postdoc to work on a project aimed at identification of novel antibiotics.

Description of the project:
We seek a postdoctoral fellow to work on a project aimed at identification of novel antibiotics in the framework of a Top Sector Life Science and Health-funded project. Antibiotic resistance is rising and forms a major threat to human health. In this project, fungi will be screened for the production of antibiotics with novel working mechanisms against multiresistant, pathogenic bacteria, particularly Enhanced Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria. To this end, we will use a previously established library containing 10,000 strains of fungi from the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute and we will activate silent gene clusters in fungi to enhance the repertoire of secondary metabolites. Compounds with antibiotic activity will be identified and their working mechanism will be characterized by molecular-genetic and cytological analyses.

The fellow we seek is a highly motivated researcher with a PhD degree in chemical and/or molecular (micro)biology or an equivalent field. Ideal candidates would have a background in antibiotics research and a willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research.

Duration:
1 year with the possibility of an extension for two years after positive evaluation.

Starting date:
December 1st 2018

Salary:
According to “CAO-Nederlandse Universiteiten” (CAO-NU), salary scale negotiable, depending on age and experience scale 10 excluding 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.

Hubrecht Institute

The Hubrecht Institute – an Academy research institute – focused on developmental and stem cell biology. It encompasses 20 research groups that perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. Since 2008, the institute is affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research to the clinic. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Oncode Institute.