Postdoc bacterial defense systems in phage therapy

Phage therapy is a promising alternative for antibiotics in treating multi-resistant bacterial infections. Bacteria evolved defense systems to overcome bacteriophage killing. This limits phage host range and complicates routine therapeutic application of bacteriophages. In turn, bacteriophages have evolved counter defense systems to overcome bacterial defenses and can adapt to prevent defense recognition. In this project we aim to identify the most relevant defense and counter defense mechanisms in clinical strains and phages of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We will use this knowledge to adapt phages in order to broaden their host range.

The project is a collaboration between UMC-Utrecht and TU-Delft (Department of Bionanoscience). Focus of TU-Delft will be on (counter) defense mechanisms while UMC-Utrecht will focus on interaction with P. aeruginosa and adaptations needed to overcome phage defense systems. We aim at translating the results of this project to the clinical practice.

As a key member of the project team, which includes a dedicated technician and external collaborators you will be responsible for the progression of the project at the UMC-Utrecht. You will perform molecular and cellular microbiology techniques aimed at adapting bacterial strains and bacteriophages. You will be involved in the supervision of master or PhD students, in teaching and in the preparation of publications. The position is for the duration of 2 years.