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PhD student on understanding the role of glycans in human norovirus infection a

We have a four-year PhD position available at the Department of Viroscience.
Closing date 15-04-2023
13.28.23.TG
36 hours
Research university
Research & Education
Closing date 15-04-2023
13.28.23.TG

Job description

Going beyond the state-of-the-art, the overall aim of GlycoNoVi is training 10 researchers to address knowledge gaps on norovirus glycan interactions and investigate the exciting possibility of developing synthetic glycans as antiviral strategies to treat norovirus infection. These aims will be achieved by bringing together 5 academic and 3 industrial leaders in the fields of glycoscience, glycovirology and norovirus, and relying on a multidisciplinary and interconnected approach.

Glycans play a crucial role in viral infections by facilitating norovirus attachment and entry. Norovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis and foodborne illnesses, which result in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. While NoV infections are usually self-limiting in healthy individuals, they can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals, young children, and the elderly. Notably, no therapy is currently available to treat or prevent NoV infections. Although it is well-established that NoVs require specific glycans to infect host tissues and cells, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated.

As a PhD student in position 7 of this project, you will focus on investigating the mechanisms of norovirus infections in humans. Specifically, you will explore the role of glycan receptor binding in norovirus diversity and evolution. Your tasks will include mapping the binding properties of norovirus strains to tissues and glycans made available through the consortium, as well as analyzing how amino-acid mutations in the capsid protein can affect these properties. To achieve these goals, you will use state-of-the-art techniques such as whole genome sequencing, ELISA-based assays, virus histochemistry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), molecular dynamics simulations, and infection studies using organ-on-a-chip models and organoids.

The PhD project is part of the
which is funded by the European Commission (Grant agreement no: 101072717). As a part of this project, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with 9 PhD students located throughout Europe. Additionally, you will perform secondments at the University of Florence (UNIFI), REACT4LIFE (Italy), and the University of Seville (USE). 

Work environment

at Erasmus MC employs more than 140 employees of different disciplines and runs an extensive experimental research program on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of infections by human and animal viruses. All necessary equipment to carry out the research proposed in the projects is available within the setting of the department. The Department of Viroscience harbors well-equipped clinical and experimental virology labs, in which all the virology, molecular biology, pathology and immunology techniques necessary for these projects are operational.

Qualifications and skills

• You should not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
• You must be in the first 4 years of your research career (as measured in full-time equivalents).
• MSc degree in Biology, Biomedical or Molecular Sciences, Immunology or (Veterinary) Medicine.
• Experience with cell culture and various molecular and/or and virological techniques.
• Experience in gathering and analyzing large data sets from public literature or databases.
• Good social and communication skills; excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Good time management and organisational skills. Inquisitive, reflective and eager to grow.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Dedication and enthusiasm for innovative research, combined with scientific curiosity and the capacity for teamwork in an interdisciplinary environment.
• To be appointed, you must be able to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Before you apply please check our
.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 2.789 ,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.536,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• A 4% payraise starting 1 November.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Miranda de Graaf at
. 
Join us in this exciting research opportunity to better understand norovirus glycan interactions and contribute to the development of antiviral strategies to treat NoV infection. To apply, please submit the mandatory documents by April 16th, 2023, on the

. Do not use the aplly button on the Erasmus MC website.
No agencies please.

Application proces

Step 1 - Apply

Did we get you excited about this position? Submit your application through the application button. You will receive a confirmation of receipt from our recruiter right away.

Step 2 - Selection

Based on your application, we check to see if there is a fit between us. We will let you know as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.

Step 3 - Job interview

You have been invited for an interview, great! In this first meeting we get to know each other and see if You can form an idea of the position, the department and Erasmus MC. If the interview goes well usually a second interview follows.

Step 4 - Offer and terms of employment

It’s a match! Your future manager will discuss your salary and employment with you. You will also receive more information about our other terms of employment.

Step 5 - Getting started

Your first working day has come! We are more than happy to have you. Your new department will give you a warm welcome and provide you with all the information you need. Enjoy your job at Erasmus MC!

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Jerry Chandansingh

Recruiter

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Erasmus MC is an international leading academic hospital in Rotterdam. We are recognized as a world-class scientific research organization aiming to improve our understanding of diseases and disorders and helps to predict, treat and prevent them. We have access to the latest equipment and techniques. A working environment that gets the best out of people.

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PhD student on understanding the role of glycans in human norovirus infection: a key to unlock new therapies|Binding properties of novel norovirus strains and the impact of antivirals.

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