PhD researcher on modulation of host cell membrane dynamics by Salmonella typhimurium ,Utrecht, The Netherlands

Salmonella typhimurium is a bacterial pathogen that can proliferate within epithelial cells as well as in professional phagocytes. The bacterium uses two type 3 secretion systems (T3SSs) to translocate effector proteins into host cells. Bacterial effector proteins are secreted into the host cell to enable the bacterium to survive and replicate inside vacuolar compartments termed Salmonella-containing vacuoles. Although it is known that Salmonella effectors interact with the host cell secretory pathway such as the Golgi appartus, the molecular mechanisms of these interactions are largely unknown.

The host cell secretory pathway is intimately connected with cellular lipid metabolism and several effectors that are secreted by Salmonella target the host cell lipid metabolism. Our laboratory specializes in cellular membrane dynamics and lipid biochemistry and aims to apply this knowledge to the characterization of the molecular protein and lipid based interactions of Salmonella secreted effector proteins with the secretory pathway. The research involves study of host cell membrane dynamics, protein-protein interactions and membrane lipid metabolism.

Techniques used: state of the art biochemical, molecular-biological, cell-biological and microbiological techniques including cell culture, immunoblotting, fluorescence microscopy, expression of cDNA, GST pulldown assays, yeast two-hybrid screening, lipid analysis using mass spectrometry.

Qualifications
We are looking for a committed, enthusiastic graduate (MSc) with a background in the field of biomolecular sciences. Experience in microbiology, cell biology and (lipid) biochemistry is an advantage. Relevant experience in (lipid) mass spectroscopy is an advantage.

Candidates from the EU and North America are eligble for this position.

Offer
We offer an experienced, collaborative and international group of colleagues and an excellent infrastructure that integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, life-cell imaging, and a state of the art lipidomics facility. We take part in the Institute of Biomembranes and are well embedded in the focus areas of our faculty and of the Utrecht University.

We will offer you a temporary full-time appointment of one year with the perspective of prolongation with another three years. The gross salary starts at € 2,042,- and increases to € 2,612,- gross per month in the fourth year of the appointment (salary scale P Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities).

Secondary benefits based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities are excellent in general and include e.g a pension scheme, flexible employment conditions and salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year end bonus of 8,3% per year. Travel costs for international conferences and working meetings are also included.

About the organisation
Utrecht University is a research university comprising of seven faculties which collectively span the entire academic spectrum in teaching and research. Founded in 1636, the University is now a modern, leading institute enjoying a growing international reputation. In the Shanghai Ranking, Utrecht University ranks 1st in the Netherlands, 12th in Europe and 48th worldwide.

This research position is part of the program Strategic Infection Biology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is an internationally leading institute in veterinary scientific education, research and associated patient care. It ranks number one in Europe and among the top five institutes of veterinary science world-wide and is accredited by the American Medical Veterinary Association and the Canadian Medical Veterinary Association.

Additional information
Are you interested? Informal inquiries should be directed to Prof. Dr. Bernd Helms (+ 31 30 253 5375; e-mail j.b.helms@uu.nl).

Please do not send your application to this address.

Apply
Please send your application accompanied by a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact info of at least two persons who are able to provide professional reference.

You can apply before 16 December 2011 via www.uu.nl/vacancies