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Postdoc position in unravelling the antimicrobial properties of oligosaccharides (0.8 FTE)

PREpare Overseas

Nov 10, 2023

DEADLINE: November 26, 2023

Inappropriate and misuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock has led to the rapid selection of bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs. An urgent need for antimicrobial compounds is needed to still be able to fight ‘simple’ infections in the future. In this project we will test non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) as possible new antimicrobial compounds to control mucosal (respiratory) infections. NDOs are natural oligosaccharides, which possess antibacterial properties and are structurally very diverse. In a multidisciplinary research team funded by ZonMW, we bring together the microbiology, cell biology, mucosal immunology, infectiology and carbohydrate chemistry research fields. We will be able to make groundbreaking discoveries about the antimicrobial effects of NDOs on respiratory pathogens such as their applicability as treatment via the airways and unraveling structure-function relationships by identifying the bio-active component of a NDO. For this project we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will investigate the antimicrobial properties of NDOs towards airway pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.


The objectives of this project are:

  • to investigate the effect of NDOs on the growth and viability of (antimicrobial resistant) airway pathogens;

  • to study the antimicrobial and barrier-protective properties of NDOs on airway pathogens in 2D-airway cell cultures;

  • to explore the synergistic/additive effect of NDOs on the action of different antibiotics;

  • to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial activity of identified NDOs.


Are you interested in this position? Then don't wait to apply. We will close this vacancy early if we have received enough interesting applications for the position. Also, if during the publication period fitting candidates apply, we could invite them before the deadline.

The application deadline is 26 November 2023.


More information can be checked on the link:




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Tel: +39-328-432-5348 / Email: info@prepareoverseas.com

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