Position available at NAICONS
An Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) will be recruited to perform research in antibacterial drug discovery as part of the H2020-funded ITN project INNOTARGETS (https://innotargets.ku.dk)
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing medical challenge, hampering the effectiveness of existing drugs and threatening the lives of patients. Therefore, there is a pressing need for compounds that re-sensitise drug-resistant bacteria to existing antimicrobials. To address this problem, the EU-funded INNOTARGETS project will train early-stage researchers in the identification of novel metabolic drug targets in pathogenic bacteria. The project comes as a collaboration between academia and industry and will guide researchers to use innovative approaches to achieve their scientific goals. INNOTARGETS aims to provide ESRs with scientific and technical skills attractive to both industry and academia. ESRs will be equipped with complementary skills deemed important for research team leaders, will have an individual profile according to their own career dreams and will be capable of life-long self-directed learning. Each ESR will work closely together with 11 other ESRs in the INNOTARGETS network.
The selected candidate will be employed for 26 months at NAICONS Srl (Milan, Italy; www.naicons.com), where he/she will perform most of the research work aimed at identifying and characterizing novel antibacterial agents from microbial sources. The aim of the project will be to develop and apply a screening platform designed to identify bioactive molecules produced by microorganisms from NAICONS proprietary collection. He/she is expected to perform part of the research work at a secondment institution and to register for a PhD programme at the University of Düsseldorf, DE. NAICONS will make all possible efforts to extend the contract to support the candidate through completion of the PhD work.
Eligibility criteria: Master degree (M.Sc. or equivalent graduation) in Chemistry, Biology or related fields. Applicants must not have been awarded a PhD degree and must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers prior to the recruitment. They must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment. The communication and teaching language throughout INNOTARGETS is English, so proof of English proficiency is required.
Additional requirements: A strong background in chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology, with an interest in applied research and bioinformatics. Previous research experience with antibiotics, actinomycetes and/or natural products will be a plus.
Benefits: Salary and additional benefits are according to EU-standards for Marie Curie ESRs. Employment contract will be according to Italian labor laws and EU requirements.
Application: To apply, please send the following documents to: jobs@naicons.com
- Personal statement/motivation letter (up to 2 pages) about applicant’s experience and interests [Provide also authorization to handle personal data according to EU General Data Protection Regulation.]
- A complete CV (personal details, academic/education history, research experience, experimental skills, publications etc.)
- Proficiency of English language skills corresponding to at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- Official list of grades obtained during the applicant’s bachelor and master studies
- Names and contact information of at least two qualified references
Application deadline: July 31, 2022
Planned start date: September 2022
