Postdoctoral researcher position on the molecular mechanisms of actin-based in intracellular bacterial pathogens

A full-time postdoctoral position is available in the Membrane Enzymology research group at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), Faculty of Science and Engineering. The position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project ACTIN in ACTION, which investigates the molecular mechanisms of actin-based motility in the intracellular bacterial pathogens Shigella and Listeria. These pathogens use the surface proteins IcsA and ActA to recruit host actin-regulatory factors and generate actin comet tails that propel the bacteria through infected cells. The successful candidate will combine biochemical reconstitution, fluorescence microscopy and structural biology to determine how this process is regulated at the molecular level. The project will make extensive use of the group’s in-house Talos Arctica electron microscope, which is being equipped with a new-generation electron detector through an ERC-funded upgrade.

What are you going to do?

The postdoc will work on an ERC Starting Grant-funded project focused on the molecular mechanisms of actin-based motility in intracellular bacterial pathogens. The project investigates how Shigella and Listeria hijack the host actin cytoskeleton to move inside infected cells. These bacteria use specialized surface proteins, IcsA and ActA, to recruit host actin-regulatory proteins and generate actin comet tails that propel the bacteria through the cytoplasm. The main goal of the postdoc project will be to understand how this process is regulated at the molecular and structural level.

The postdoc will establish and use in vitro reconstitution assays for actin-based motility, combining engineered bacterial systems displaying IcsA or ActA with purified host actin-regulatory proteins. Using fluorescence microscopy, the postdoc will quantify actin-tail formation, bacterial movement, filament elongation, and the effects of regulatory host factors on these processes. Candidate regulators will be selected based on preliminary mass-spectrometry data and literature, and their effects on actin-based motility will be tested biochemically and microscopically. A central part of the project will be structural analysis by cryo-electron tomography and, where applicable, single-particle cryo-EM. The postdoc will prepare vitrified samples of bacteria undergoing actin-based motility, collect and process cryo-ET data, and determine how bacterial effectors, host regulatory proteins and actin filaments are organized within actin comet tails. This work will make use of the in- house Talos Arctica electron microscope, which will be upgraded with a new camera through the ERC-funded investment.

Overall, the postdoc will contribute to a mechanistic model explaining how bacterial pathogens control the host actin cytoskeleton to drive intracellular motility.

Who are you?

You are a motivated and independent researcher with a PhD in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biophysics or a related discipline. You have hands-on experience with recombinant protein production and purification and preferably with actin biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy or cryo-electron tomography. Experience in cryo-EM or cryo-ET sample preparation, data collection and image processing is particularly valuable. You are interested in understanding molecular mechanisms of host–pathogen interactions and are willing to combine biochemical, microscopic and structural approaches. You can work independently, contribute effectively to a collaborative research environment, communicate your results clearly and prepare scientific publications and presentations in English.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 4.241 (schaal 10.4) up to a maximum of € 4.571 (schaal 10.6) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• The appointment is for one year, plus a possible extension of an additional two years.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse. 

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

Application procedure

Step 1: Your application

Step 2: Selection

Step 3: First interview

Step 4: Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture

Step 5: Terms of employment meeting

Interested?

Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.

Please add the following documents to your application:

• CV.
• Cover letter.