PhD Candidate EPIC Project

Job description
Project overview
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major healthcare challenge. Prosthetic joint infections, often caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, are difficult to treat because these bacteria form biofilms that protect them from antibiotics and host defenses.
Within the NWO-funded EPIC (Endolysin-based Protective Implant nanoCarriers) consortium, ACTA, the University of Twente, Micreos, LipoCoat, and clinical partners are developing innovative endolysin-loaded nanocarriers to prevent and treat implant-associated infections.
We seek a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy, anti-biofilm activity, biosafety, and host compatibility of novel endolysin formulations.
Your role
You will:
Investigate the antimicrobial efficacy and biosafety of endolysin-based formulations
Evaluate activity against planktonic and biofilm-associated
S. aureus
and
S. epidermidis
, including MRSA
Develop advanced
in vitro
biofilm and infection models, including microfluidic systems
Assess activity against intracellular staphylococci and monitor resistance development
Evaluate cytotoxicity, immune responses, and effects on bone-related cells using human cell culture and 3D tissue models
Collaborate with academic and industrial consortium partners
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences
You will be based in both the Department of Preventive Dentistry and the Department of Oral Cell Biology at ACTA and work in an interdisciplinary environment spanning microbiology, cell biology, biomaterials, and host-microbe interactions.
The supervisory team consists of Prof. dr. Bastiaan Krom, Prof. dr. Astrid Bakker, dr. ing. Michel Hoogenkamp, and dr. Jianfeng Jin.

Requirements
You have:
A Master's degree (or near completion) in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field
Experience with microbiology, biofilm research, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and/or microscopy.
Strong analytical and communication skills
An interest in translational biomedical research and antimicrobial resistance
The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Excellent English language skills
Applicants already eligible to work in the Netherlands are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications requiring immigration sponsorship may not be prioritized due to project timelines and administrative considerations

Conditions of employment
Fixed-term
contract
: 1 year.
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At ACTA, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
a salary of minimum € 3.204,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.051,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate.
a 4-year PhD position (initial 1-year contract, extended by 3 years following positive evaluation).
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:
A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year.
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
Solid pension scheme (ABP)
Contribution to commuting expenses
Group insured for partial disability with employer contribution of 50% of the premium
Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
Opportunities for collaboration with academic and industry partners
Participation in national and international conferences and training activities

Employer
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
ACTA is the joint Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and is internationally recognized for its research, education, and patient care in oral health.