PhD Candidate EPIC Project

Your function

We seek a highly motivated PhD Candidate EPIC Project to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy, anti-biofilm activity, biosafety, and host compatibility of novel endolysin formulations.

• Location: ACTA Gebouw, Amsterdam
• You will be based in both the Department of Preventive Dentistry and the Department of Oral Cell Biology at ACTA.
• You will work in an interdisciplinary environment spanning microbiology, cell biology, biomaterials, and host-microbe interactions.
• The position is a 4-year PhD position with an initial 1-year contract, extended by 3 years following positive evaluation.
• The preferred start date for the successful candidate is 1 February 2027.

Project overview

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major healthcare challenge. Prosthetic joint infections, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, are difficult to treat because these bacteria form biofilms that protect them from antibiotics and host defenses.

Within the NWO-funded EPIC (Endolysin-based Protective Implant nanoCarriers) consortium, ACTA, the University of Twente, Micreos, LipoCoat, and clinical partners are developing innovative endolysin-loaded nanocarriers to prevent and treat implant-associated infections.

Your role

You will:

• Investigate the antimicrobial efficacy and biosafety of endolysin-based formulations
• Evaluate activity against planktonic and biofilm-associated S. aureus and S. epidermidis, including MRSA
• Develop advanced in vitro biofilm and infection models, including microfluidic systems
• Assess activity against intracellular staphylococci and monitor resistance development
• Evaluate cytotoxicity, immune responses, and effects on bone-related cells using human cell culture and 3D tissue models
• Collaborate with academic and industrial consortium partners
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences

The supervisory team consists of Prof. dr. Bastiaan Krom, Prof. dr. Astrid Bakker, dr. ing. Michel Hoogenkamp, and dr. Jianfeng Jin.

Your profile

You have:

• A Master's degree (or near completion) in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Experience with microbiology, biofilm research, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and/or microscopy.
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• An interest in translational biomedical research and antimicrobial resistance
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent English language skills
• Applicants already eligible to work in the Netherlands are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications requiring immigration sponsorship may not be prioritized due to project timelines and administrative considerations

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At ACTA, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.204,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.051,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate.
• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Solid pension scheme (ABP)
• Contribution to commuting expenses
• Group insured for partial disability with employer contribution of 50% of the premium
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• Opportunities for collaboration with academic and industry partners
• Participation in national and international conferences and training activities

About us

ACTA is the joint Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and is internationally recognized for its research, education, and patient care in oral health.