PhD student / doctoral candidate in Infection Biology (EN)

PhD student / doctoral candidate in Infection Biology

AUREUS is a multidisciplinary European Training Network built to counteract multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aures infections, funded by Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN). The aim of the AUREUS project is to train a new generation of researchers as a response to the increasing need for highly qualified work force in the field of chemical biology.

The AUREUS consortium comprises 11 academic an 7 non-academic institutions, of which 5 are companies, from 8 Eurpean countries. 

As part of the AUREUS project, Project 13 focuses on the glycosylation-dependent interaction of Staphylococcus WTA with immunoglobulins and the scavenger receptor LOX-1.

Project tasks:

• Investigating the role of Wall Teichoic Acid (WTA) glycosylation in Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis regarding immune recognition and endothelial cell adhesion via scavenger receptor LOX-1
• Generating and analyzing WTA glycosylation mutants to assess antibody binding (IgG, IgA, mAbs)
• Determining the immunological relevance of different WTA types and their potential as vaccine antigens
• Studying the interaction of S. aureus/S. epidermidis with endothelial cells depending on WTA glycosylation patterns
• Performing structural characterization of LOX-1 binding using NMR and X-ray crystallography (in clos collaboration with partners of the AUREUS consortium)

The doctoral candidate will work in collaboration with: Amsterdam UMC (AMC), The Netherlands; Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Spain and Biopox Srl (BIOPOX), Italy.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, molecular medicine or related
• Hands-on experience in molecular/cellular biology, bacterial genetics, immunology and glycobiology is desirable but not necessarily required
• Independent project development
• Appreciation for interdisciplinary work, proactive drive to collaborate and excellent communication skills
• Proficient speaking and writing in English

Eligibility criteria

• Supported researchers: applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment

• Mobility rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, studies) in the country of the recruiting host institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

The University of Tübingen seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore emphatically calls on qualified women to apply. Disabled candidates will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants. The university is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. The employment will be handled by the central administration of the University of Tübingen.

Applications should be accompanied by a cover letter describing motivation, skills and any special achievements. Furthermore, a CV and a transcript of records should be added.

Application Deadline: 4 May 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Amsterdam)

Where to apply

E-mail: janes.krusche@uni-tuebingen.de

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Excellent

Additional Information

Website for additional job details: https://www.euraxess.de/jobs/328844

Website for additional AUREUS project descriptions and all 15 PhD positions: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/323721