Project Title: Studying bacterial surface glycopolymers-proteins interactions
Location: GLYcoDiag, France
Main Supervisor: Dr. Ludovic Landemarre
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Jeroen Codee (Leiden University, The Netherlands)
Duration: 3 years, the position starts preferably by 01/09/2025
Application Deadline: 28 April 2025
Context of the AUREUS Project
The AUREUS project is a multidisciplinary European Training Network funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN), designed to combat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogenic bacterium that is increasingly resistant to antimicrobial treatments. The network brings together 11 academic and 5 industrial teams across Europe specializing in chemistry, microbiology, structural biology, and immunology, with the goal of training the next generation of researchers to address this challenge.
In this context, the DC10 project focuses on understanding the interactions between surface glycopolymers of S. aureus (such as wall teichoic acids, WTA) and glycan-binding proteins, which are crucial for the pathogen’s recognition by the host immune system. The project is part of an innovative approach to explore how these interactions can be targeted for the development of new immunological therapies.
Objectives of Project DC10 within the AUREUS Network
As part of the AUREUS project, DC10 will focus on studying the interactions between S. aureus surface glycopolymers (WTA) and pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), which are key for the immune system’s recognition of pathogens. These interactions offer potential targets for developing new therapeutic strategies against S. aureus and other pathogenic bacteria.
The doctoral candidate’s tasks will include:
- Glycoprofiling of S. aureus strains: Using lectin arrays to identify glyco-signatures of WTA on various S. aureus strains and exploring their correlation with pathogenicity.
- Studying WTA interactions with PRRs: Identifying and analyzing the interactions between WTA and PRRs, which play a key role in activating immune responses.
- Synthesis of WTA glycoconjugates: Synthesizing neoglycoproteins for studying their interactions and comparing the binding affinities between different WTA glycoforms.
- Development of screening platforms: Developing lectin arrays for detecting and characterizing WTA glycoforms and other pathogen-associated glycan patterns.
Training and Expected Results
- Training: The PhD candidate will acquire expertise in glycobiology, particularly in glycan-protein interactions and pathogen recognition by immune system proteins (PRRs).
- Organic Chemistry Skills: The candidate will also gain training in the synthesis of glycoconjugates and their use in studying interactions with glycan-binding proteins.
- Research Outcomes:
- Identification of specific glyco-profiles associated with S. aureus, providing a deeper understanding of pathogen recognition by the host.
- Development of new screening approaches for detecting and characterizing WTA glycoforms and other pathogen-associated glycan patterns.
The doctoral candidate will collaborate with partner institutions and companies within the AUREUS network, including secondments at Leiden University (The Netherlands), National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (Ireland), and Université Grenoble Alpes (France).
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Academic Background: Master’s degree in biochemistry, glycobiology, organic chemistry, or a related field.
- Technical Skills: Experience in protein purification and characterization, protein conjugation and labeling, ELISA, and other binding assays. A background in glycobiology is highly desirable.
- Independence and Teamwork: Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary project.
- Additional Desirable Skills: Interest in applied research in a small company R&D environment and entrepreneurial mindset.
Working Conditions
The selected doctoral candidate will be employed by GLYcoDiag for 36 months for AUREUS project, with a competitive salary following EU guidelines and under French working conditions. The candidate will be registred as Ph.D. student at a school doctorate of University of Orléans and will additionnaly participate to training activities, workshops, and conferences planned within the AUREUS network.
Application Process
Applications should be sent by email to:
- Email: landemarre@glycodiag.com or admin@glycodiag.com
Applications should include:- A cover letter (max. 3 pages) detailing the applicant’s interest in the project and relevant skills.
- An updated CV (max. 2 pages).
- Copies of diplomas (Msc.)
- Two letters of recommendation or contact details of two references
- Transcript of records
Application Deadline: 28 April 2025, 23:00 (Brussels time). The candidates will be evaluated on the basis of the received documents and selected candidates will be invited for an online interview that will take place in May-June 2025.
For More Information
For further details on the application process and working conditions, please visit Glycodiag’s website: www.glycodiag.com.
For more information about the AUREUS project and the 14 PhD positions, visit EURAXESS, https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/323721 and AUREUS website https://www.aureus-horizon