Management of protein quality control in stressed bacterial populations

Within the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M²S) of the KU Leuven, the Aertsen-group is looking for a motivated pre-doctoral or postdoctoral researcher to take part in a research program concerning the impact of heat shock proteins and protein aggregates on bacterial physiology.

Project

Given the importance of protein quality control in cellular physiology and of proteotoxic stresses in the battle against bacterial pathogens, there is an urgent need for a more in depth understanding of the intracellullar functionality and management of heat shock proteins and protein aggregates. Using Escherichia coli as a highly tractable and relevant model system, this project will combine advanced genetics, live cell biology and evolutionary approaches to understand and shape the molecular causes and phenotypical consequences of protein quality control, thereby integrating insights from single-cell resolution to population-level dynamics.

Profile

The applicant should either hold a PhD degree, or a degree that formally qualifies her/him to enter the PhD program of the Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (http://set.kuleuven.be/phd/). An outspoken interest in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology and analytical genetics, together with advanced command of both spoken and written English is mandatory.

Offer

A full time PhD or Postdoc position is offered. Detailed employment conditions will be shared upon contact.

Interested?

Applicants should upload a detailed Curriculum Vitae together with a concise letter of motivation in the online portal.

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