PhD Candidate EPIC Project
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), Netherlands
- Institution
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
- Country
- Netherlands
- Position type
- PhD
- Subject area
- Medicine & Health
- Application deadline
- 16 November 2026
- Funding
- Fully funded position
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About this position
Job description
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.
We seek a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy, anti-biofilm activity, biosafety, and host compatibility of novel endolysin formulations.
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
You will be based in both the Department of Preventive Dentistry and the Department of Oral Cell Biology at ACTA and work in an interdisciplinary environment spanning microbiology, cell biology, biomaterials, and host-microbe interactions.
The supervisory team consists of Prof. dr. Bastiaan Krom, Prof. dr. Astrid Bakker, dr. ing. Michel Hoogenkamp, and dr. Jianfeng Jin.
Apply directly to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
Emerging Scholars Council is not the employer and does not recruit for this position. It is advertised by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), and your application goes to them. We help students prepare and strengthen their applications.
Go to the official application page →Applications close 16 November 2026.