Offer Description

AUREUS is a multidisciplinary European Training Network built to counteract multidrug resistant S. aureus infections.
The aim of AUREUS is to train a new generation of researchers as a response to the increasing need for highly qualified work force in the field of chemical biology.

AUREUS intersectoral program is based on a unique international team, including 11 academic groups and 5 companies, combining expertise in different fields including chemistry, (micro-)biology and immunology. Under their guidance, the Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will acquire complementary skills to exploit and develop different and innovative strategies to:

1. unveil the biosynthesis and structure of unique S. aureus cell wall glycopolymers, the so-called WTA (wall teichoic acids)
2. gain greater insights into the molecular basis of the human immune responses to S. aureus WTA
3. harness the acquired knowledge to rationally design and develop effective immune-based therapies against S. aureus and related bacterial species.

Moreover, DCs will be trained in transferable skills and will have the opportunity to take part in research training (secondments) in other consortium member’s labs.

Pursuing a PhD within the AUREUS network is an excellent starting point for a career at both top European research institutions as well as the healthcare/biotech job market.

 

Application and recruitment process

Requirements for all applicants

• Appreciation for interdisciplinary work, proactive drive to collaborate and excellent communication skills.
• Proficient speaking and writing in English.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in the European Union.
• Applicants should be available to start their project from October 1st 2025, onwards.
• Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in the specific research area of the PhD project they are applying for (see descriptions below).

Important note!
Candidates must meet the specific requirements of the University where they will be enrolled.
Information about these requirements, if applicable, can be found via the link indicated in the relevant PhD project description section ‘Contacts for info’.

Scientific Requirements

Research Field: Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physical and Structural Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacy or a related discipline
Education Level: Master’s Degree or equivalent that fits the research area(s) of the DC position(s) of your interest.

Benefits

The benefits are:

• Highly competitive salary and working conditions following the MSCA-DNs guidelines (EU guidelines) and the general regulations of each host institution.
• Challenging research projects to lead to a dissertation PhD thesis at high-profile universities.
• Participation in network-wide training activities, courses, workshops and conferences.
• Employment contract for 36 months by the host institution entitled to full employee benefits and inclusion in social security schemes of the host country.
• Although the standard length for the PhD positions is a 3-year MSCA-DN contract, for some DCs positions, in the AUREUS DN funding for an additional 4th year will be provided by the host institution.

 

Eligibility criteria

Experience eligibility requirement

Following the strict MSCA-DN rules, you must meet the following two eligibility criteria (please do not apply if you are not eligible):

• Supported researchers: applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
• Mobility rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, studies) in the country of the recruiting host institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
• Other eligibility criteria may apply depending on the recruiting beneficiary.

 

Application and Selection Process

Step 1: CALL FOR APPLICANTS

Applications (in English) must include:

1. a cover letter, which includes the motivation for the position and should emphasize the candidate’s strengths regarding the project and the requirements (max 3 pages, font size 12 and single spacing, with figures if necessary). In the cover letter, the applicant should clearly indicate which other project(s), e.g. Project_DC#, the candidate applied to.
2. an updated CV (max 2 pages)
3. the scanned copy of the diploma (usually the Master’s Degree), which formally entitles the applicant to embark on a doctorate degree. In case the Master’s Degree has not been obtained yet at the closing date for application, the candidate has to send a declaration signed by his/her supervisor or from the University stating that the degree will be obtained before the start date of PhD enrollment.
4. Letter of Recommendation from two appropriate referees or contact details of two references.
5. Transcripts of records.

Candidates can apply for maximum three PhD projects and the applications need to be submitted separately to each institution.

The PhD project number and name of the applicant needs to be mentioned in the header of the application file and to be used also as the name of the file (the application when sent by email to be one single pdf (< 3 MB) using the following format: Project_DC#_Name_of_the_candidate.

Step 2: ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSIBILITY

The eligibility check will be carried out based on the candidates’ CV and cover letter by the Evaluation Committee, which will be established for each of the 15 PhD projects. The Committee may ask applicants for additional information or clarifications.

Selected applicants will be invited for an interview by email. In the email the candidate will receive specific guidance about the interviewing process.

Step 3: INTERVIEWS

All interviews will be conducted remotely by the Evaluation Committee with the aim to evaluate the adequacy to the project of the candidate. The applicant will be informed well in advance about technical requirements needed for the interview.

Step 4: FINAL RANKING

Those applicants who were selected for Step 3 will be duly informed of the results and the selected candidates will be asked to provide a written acceptance of the PhD position (i.e., a confirmation by email). If a successful candidate declines the offer, the PhD position will be offered to the next ranked candidate.

 

How to apply

If the application is required to be sent by email (please see email address in individual project descriptions), prepare the application in a single pdf file (< 3 MB), and name it following this format: Project_DC#_Name_of_the_candidate ).

The subject line of the email must be in the following format: “AUREUS application for Project_DC#”.

If the application is required to be sent through a recruitment platform/application system (link provided in individual project description), please follow the instructions valid for the application system

The closing date for applications is: 25th May 2025 – 23:00 (Europe/Brussels) – unless otherwise specified in the DC project description