A 2.5 years postdoc position in the structural characterisation and design of novel peptide-antibiotics is available in the Weingarth group at Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
The project is set within the context of the rapid development of antimicrobial resistance that urgently calls for novel antibiotics with unexploited mechanisms.
We aim to structurally characterise a highly promising class of membrane-binding peptide-antibiotics that can kill the most refractory pathogens at nanomolecular concentrations and that are robust to antimicrobial resistance. Together with collaborators from Utrecht pharmacy department, we eventually aim to rationally develop novel and improved antibiotics. For the structural characterisation of membrane-binding peptide-antibiotics, our team uses recombinant expression techniques and sensitivity-enhanced solid-state NMR methods such as 1H-detection and DNP.
We are embedded within the excellently-equipped Utrecht NMR facility (solid state NMR: 950, 800, 700, 500 MHz // 800 & 400 MHz DNP // 900 MHz solution NMR magnet). A 1.2 GHz magnet will be installed in the near future.
The ideal candidate should be experienced in recombinant expression techniques and solid-state OR solution NMR. Experience in NMR structure calculation is a plus. Experience in other biophysical techniques (ITC, spectroscopic techniques) would also be valuable.
Applicants with strong knowledge in molecular biology and a further, alternative background could also be considered.
The NWO-funded position is to be filled asap, and the selected candidate will be part of several antibiotics characterisation/design projects that have been successfully implemented in my lab. Applications are accepted until 01.06.2018.
To apply, and for further inquiries, please contact m.h.weingarth@uu.nl
Homepage: http://www.weingarth-group.org
Recent publications:
1.Visscher et al., (2017) Angew. Chem., 56, 13222 Supramolecular organization and functional implications of K+ channel clusters in membranes
2. Medeiros-Silva, J. et al, (2016) Angew. Chem. 55, 13606, 1H-detected solid-state NMR of water-inaccessible proteins in vitro and in situ
Conditions of employment: The candidate is offered a full/part-time position for 2.5 years.
Salary: The gross salary is in the range between € 3.111- , and maximum € 4.084- per month.
The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition, we offer: a pension scheme, a partially paid parental leave, flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities. The research group will provide the candidate with necessary support on all aspects of the project. More information: http://www.uu.nl/EN/informationfor/jobseekers/Working-for-Utrecht-University/terms-of-employment/Pages/default.aspx