Postdoctoral researcher - Molecular basis of Brucella type-IV-secretion effector delivery into host

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading life sciences institutes in the world. It consists of 30 groups and 500 employees that research how molecules and cells create life, spanning the scale from atom to organism. Founded in 1971, the Biozentrum has been the birthplace of many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine, spawning several Nobel Laureates.

A postdoc position is available in the research group of Prof. Christoph Dehio.

We are interested in the molecular basis underlying pathogenicity of Brucella with a specific interest on its type IV secretion (T4S) system and associated effector proteins. Our goals are to resolve the molecular basis of Brucella T4S-dependent effector secretion by establishing new approaches to address this fundamental question.

Your position

While the panel of published effectors translocated by Brucella has recently expended, essential aspects of the translocation process remain elusive. In this context, your goal will be to develop innovative approaches to study the molecular basis of Brucella T4S effector secretion into host cells, by combining the use of surrogate models and work under Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) conditions. The project will include development of new genetic tools and reporters, biochemical characterization of interaction partners and establishment of new screening methods to identify new effector proteins.

Your profile

You obtained a PhD in, microbiology, synthetic biology or a related research field. You have experience with bacterial secretion system(s) and a genuine interest in bacterial-host interaction. You are creative and willing to contribute to the development of innovative research tools to uncover the molecular mechanism underlying effector translocation by Brucella T4S.

We offer you

Our multidisciplinary group includes microbiologists and cell biologist with an expertise in bacterial pathogenesis of zoonosis with chronic manifestations, with a special focus on T4S systems and effectors (a list of recent publications can be found here ). We have an excellent support from various core facilities with expert staff as well as a very strong multi-disciplinary collaborative environment.

The position will start in January 2021 or upon agreement and the funding will be available for at least three years.

Basel is an international city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet - Switzerland-Germany- France -, it is Europe's most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere.