PhD Position in Solid-state NMR and Drug Discovery (Antibiotics)

Are you a highly motivated and ambitious researcher? Join us as a PhD candidate. We have three positions available in the fields of structural biology (NMR) and antibiotics (Gram-negatives and Mycobacteria).

Your job
Using integrated structural biology, rooted in our key expertise solid-state NMR, we have recently made pioneering contributions to a better understanding of antibiotics that target bacterial membranes (e.g., Shukla et al., Nature 2022 & Cell 2023; Derks et al. Nature Microbiology 2024; Lewis et al. Nature 2024). In these PhD projects, we aim to unravel the molecular mechanisms of antibiotics that target bacterial superbugs (Gram-negatives & Mycobacteria). The positions are funded by a VICI grant.

All offered PhD projects involve working on new killing mechanisms, cutting-edge structural biology, and also new antibiotics. We’re especially interested in antibiotics against high-priority superbugs (Gram-negatives and Mycobacteria).

PhD students in the Weingarth group usually a learn a combination of biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and structural biology skills.

The Utrecht NMR Group hosts world-class equipment, including a 1200 MHz NMR magnet, 800 MHz DNP, and many more high field magnets (900, 2 x 700, 2 x 600). We also have state of the art probes for fast MAS, 19F ssNMR, and low-gamma nuclei involved in projects. Modern equipment for lipid biochemistry and analysis is available.

We also have several vacancies for postdoc positions.

We are looking for a collaborative and enthusiastic new colleague who meets several or all of the following criteria:

• prior knowledge in NMR;
• prior knowledge in Chromatography techniques (e.g. HPLC, TLC, LC-MS).

In general, strong candidates without prior knowledge in these domains are encouraged to apply

For these PhD student positions, genuine interest in structural biology, NMR, and lipid biochemistry (wet lab work in general) is required. Prior knowledge in NMR is a big plus for the positions.

As we use a combination of methods to gauge the molecular action of drugs, being a strong team player is very important for the positions.

• A job for four years;
• a fulltime working week and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

For more information, please contact Dr Markus Weingarth at m.h.weingarth@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the 'apply now' button. Please enclose:

• your motivation letter;
• your curriculum vitae;
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two referees.

The starting dates for all positions is flexible. It can be 'asap' but do not hesitate to reach out if you are looking for a position beginning in 2026.

Candidates may be contacted earlier than the deadline.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.