Post Doc Position in Molecular Mechanisms in

**The project** Dental caries is one of the most prevalent global chronic diseases. It is intimately linked to oral biofilms formed on the tooth surface (dental plaque), in which _Streptococcus mutans _plays a key role. Recently, mutanofactins were identified as small-molecule secondary metabolites of _S. mutans_, promoting cell adhesion and biofilm formation. However, the mechanisms by which mutanofactins promote biofilm formation are unknown. In a research consortium including groups from BOKU Vienna and ETH Zürich, we will use a unique combination of synthetic, microbiological, and physicochemical approaches to establish cariogenic model biofilms and characterize bacterial cell surface properties and biofilm matrix interactions, possibly affected by mutanofactins. The project outcomes will inform innovative, effective anti-cariogenic strategies urgently needed for human health and reduce the global economic burden of tooth decay. **Our goal** In one of three interlinked Post Doc and Ph.D. projects, we will focus on understanding the molecular basis of action of mutanofactins, as single compounds and their mixtures to assess potential synergistic effects. This includes analysis of effects on bacterial growth, stress tolerance and biofilm formation of consortia including competing oral streptococci and cohabiting cariogenic biofilm species. We will create a hierarchical model interlinking the interaction of mutanofactins to structural and mechanical properties of biofilms to understand the presumably novel mechanisms by which these secondary metabolites control cariogenic biofilm formation. **Your job** **Profile**: **What we offer** The project is interdisciplinary, with strong collaborations across scientific disciplines. The project’s coordinator is Prof. Christina Schäffer (BOKU Vienna); other project partners are Prof. Erik Reimhult (BOKU Vienna) and Prof. Erick Carreira (ETH Zürich). You will work at the Institute of Biologically Inspired Materials (BIMat), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, supervised by Prof. Christina Schäffer, in an interdisciplinary group spanning microbiology, physics, and chemistry. BOKU offers state-of-the-art microbiology BSL-1 and BSL-2, genetics and biochemistry laboratories, including analytics for extracellular molecules such as Dionex, HPLC, FPLC, GPC/SEC as well as RT-qPCR; interface and biomolecular interactions laboratory, including dynamic pendant drop, contact angle, FTIR, and QCM-D; TEM, cryo-SEM, CLSM with STED for imaging bacteria and biofilm structure and interactions; license to work with GMOS; access to the core facilities "Biomolecular & Cellular Analytics", including SPR, BLI, DSC and ITC, and "Mass Spectrometry" at the BOKU. We especially encourage female applicants, applicants from minority groups, and applicants with disabilities. For further information, you are welcome to contact Prof. Christina Schäffer **Benefits**: Eligibility criteria Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or a related degree of interest with very good to excellent grades and should be motivated to spend 3.5 years in Vienna, Austria. We especially encourage female applicants, applicants from minority groups, and applicants with disabilities. Selection process Additional comments - Curriculum vitae - Diploma for the highest finished degree (expected date of graduation if your Ph.D. degree is not completed) - Transcript of grades for your university studies (with grade key in English) - Reference letters and reference contact persons Offer Requirements Skills/Qualifications Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or a related degree of interest with very good to excellent grades. Specific Requirements You should have the ability to work in a team, outstanding skills in interdisciplinary work and communication, a very high degree of independence, the ability to develop your own ideas within the project, a very high level of motivation, and excellent knowledge of English.