Bastiaan Krom
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PhD Candidate EPIC Project: Endolysin-Based Therapies Against Implant-Associated Biofilm Infections Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biomedical Engineering
Funding
PhD position with a salary of €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month on a full-time basis; 4-year PhD contract (initial 1 year, extended by 3 years after positive evaluation).
Deadline
Nov 16, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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Keywords
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About this position
This PhD project focuses on developing and evaluating endolysin-based therapies against implant-associated biofilm infections. The work is part of the NWO-funded EPIC consortium, which brings together ACTA, the University of Twente, Micreos, LipoCoat, and clinical partners to develop endolysin-loaded nanocarriers for preventing and treating infections linked to prosthetic implants.
You will investigate how novel endolysin formulations perform against clinically relevant staphylococcal pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and MRSA, in both planktonic and biofilm settings. The project also includes the development of advanced in vitro infection systems, such as microfluidic models, to study intracellular staphylococci, resistance development, cytotoxicity, immune responses, and effects on bone-related cells.
The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment at ACTA, where you will be based in both the Department of Preventive Dentistry and the Department of Oral Cell Biology. The project connects microbiology, cell biology, biomaterials, and host-microbe interactions, and includes collaboration with academic and industrial consortium partners. You will also contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations during the PhD.
The supervisory team consists of Prof. dr. Bastiaan Krom, Prof. dr. Astrid Bakker, dr. ing. Michel Hoogenkamp, and dr. Jianfeng Jin at ACTA, part of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Funding details
PhD position with a salary of €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month on a full-time basis; 4-year PhD contract (initial 1 year, extended by 3 years after positive evaluation).
What's required
A Master's degree or near completion in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field is required. Applicants should have experience with microbiology, biofilm research, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and/or microscopy. Strong analytical and communication skills, an interest in translational biomedical research and antimicrobial resistance, the ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team, and excellent English language skills are required. Applicants already eligible to work in the Netherlands are strongly encouraged to apply; applications requiring immigration sponsorship may not be prioritized.
How to apply
Submit a motivation letter, CV, and contact details of two academic references through the application portal. A diploma must be submitted as part of the application process. Applications by email will not be considered.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Prof. dr. at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Netherlands
Research Interests
Biomaterials
Medical Science
Antibiotic Resistance
Biology
Immune Response
Prof. dr. at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Netherlands
Research Interests
Biomaterials
Immune Response
Host-pathogen Interaction
Staphylococcus Aureus
Biomedical Engineering
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.