Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher

Role Description

Introduction

Applications are invited for a 36-month fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of York. The post is part of a prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) titled “AUREUS: wall teichoic acids as immunogenic and conserved alternative targets for therapies versus S. aureus”. AUREUS is a European doctoral training network that aims to educate a new generation of glycoscientists able to use their multidisciplinary skills to develop innovative ways of combating multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. The consortium will include 15 Doctoral Candidates working across 11 academic groups and 5 companies with expertise in different fields including chemistry, (micro-)biology and immunology. Full details of the network can be found on the Euraxess website and AUREUS website. 

This subproject of the AUREUS consortium focuses on the "Characterisation and inhibition of enzymes involved in ribitol-phosphate modification of wall teichoic acid". Wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are glycoconjugates on the surface of gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus which are linked to pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. The goal of this project is to open new routes for the development of antibacterial agents by studying some of the enzymes responsible for WTA biosynthesis and exploring the potential for inhibition of these enzymes with synthetic small molecules. For this purpose, we will express and purify the recombinant enzymes and develop in vitro assays to test their activity. Using the established platforms, we will then evaluate the inhibitory potency of novel compounds. Additionally, we will apply the generated enzymes for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of WTA polymers as highly valuable research tools. 

Work and profile

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in biochemistry, biological chemistry or chemical biology and a passion for conducting high quality, interdisciplinary research. 

• Undergraduate degree (MChem, MSc or Masters by Research) in Chemistry or Biochemistry or equivalent experience

• Prior experience with molecular biology techniques, including gene expression and protein purification

• Enthusiastic and highly motivated with a strong teamwork mentality

• Excellent command of written and spoken English

• Meeting the Marie-Curie eligibility criteria is required. In particular, applicants must not already have a doctoral degree at the time of appointment. Additionally, they must not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the appointment.

For full requirements please see the job description. 

You will receive training in broad, top-class scientific skills in molecular and chemical biology as well as transferable skills, enhancing your career perspectives in both the academic and industrial sectors. You will also have the opportunity to participate in network-wide training activities, courses, workshops and conferences and build collaborations across the consortium to enhance the impact of your work.

Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? Then apply! Please ensure that you upload the following documents:

• A cover letter stating your motivation and strengths regarding the project and its requirements

• A Curriculum Vitae 

• Letter of recommendation or contact details of two references

• Transcripts of records and copy of your diploma 

Closing date for applications: 11-05-2025

Interview date: May 2025 (exact dates TBC) 

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Lianne Willems, lianne.willems@york.ac.uk  

Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and renowned internationally for our research. We have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. As a Department we value all employees and students for the qualities and skills they bring to the workplace and strive to be a diverse and egalitarian community in which all can contribute fully, flourish, and excel. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education. 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork