PhD Candidate EPIC Project

Your function

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.

Your profile

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

What do we offer?

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

About us

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.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Please submit:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact details of two academic references

For questions, contact:

dr. ing. Michel Hoogenkamp
Department of Preventive Dentistry, ACTA
m.hoogenkamp@acta.nl

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The first round of interviews is expected to take place at the end of November, and the preferred start date for the successful candidate is 1 February 2027.

Submitting a diploma is part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.