CLEAR – Position available at Naicons
A Doctoral Candidate (DC) will be recruited to perform research in antibacterial drug discovery within the framework of the project CLEAR, Cell Envelope Antibacterials (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-DN-01); Grant Agreement nr. 101119534). The aim of CLEAR is to train young researchers in Europe to address serious and global problems of antibiotic resistance..
The selected candidate will be employed for three years at NAICONS (Milan, Italy; www.naicons.com), where he/she will perform most of the research work aimed at identifying and characterizing novel antimicrobial activities from variants of poorly explored classes of known metabolites and of metabolites predicted not to be associated with known classes. This will be accomplished through a combination of data mining and wet lab work using the micro4all Platform and its Molecules Gateway.
He/she is expected to perform part of the research work at secondment institutions and to register for a PhD programme at the University of Tübingen, DE.
The CLEAR Consortium objectives: Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to global health by the World Health Organization. The research program addresses the challenge of Gram-positive bacterial pathogens such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and proposes that the bacterial cell envelope offers novel possibilities for antimicrobial therapy in addition to the well-known B-lactams. The program is based on unique findings that allow innovative and yet feasible approaches involving 1) identification of novel targets in the cell envelope and lead structures of novel agents, 2) re-sensitizing resistant bacteria to existing cell wall antibiotics, and development of novel therapies acting via the cell envelope. CLEAR consortium is a collaboration between academia and industry and will guide researchers to use innovative approaches to achieve their scientific goals. The training program combines a broad range of scientific disciplines such as molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, screening technologies, pre-clinical testing with complementary courses in innovation, market potential and business strategies ensuring that the PhDs will be highly competitive for both top European research institutions and the pharma/biotech job market.
Eligibility criteria: Master degree (M.Sc. or equivalent graduation) in life or chemical sciences. 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 CLEAR is English, so proof of English proficiency is required.
Additional requirements: A strong background in chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology, with a strong interest in applied research and bioinformatics. Previous research experience with antibiotics, actinomycetes, mass spectrometry 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.
Application: To apply, please send the following documents to: clear@naicons.com
1. Personal statement/motivation letter (up to 2 pages) about applicant's experience and interests
2. A complete CV (personal details, academic/education history, research experience, experimental skills, publications etc.)
3. Proficiency of English language skills corresponding to at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
4. Official list of grades obtained during the applicant’s bachelor and master studies
5. Names and contact information of at least two qualified references
Application deadline: February 29, 2024
Planned start date: April to May 2024
