Bacteria use secreted proteins displaying a range of “host-like” interaction to hijack the human interaction networks for their own profit, thereby impacting normal cellular functions.
We will (i) select potential instances of interaction impairment between bacterial secreted and host proteins by computationally identify interaction interfaces mediated by host-like interaction elements using our MimicINT method, based on sequence and structural data analysis, (ii) produce bacterial proteins and domains to confirm and quantify in vitro the interactions using our HTP quantitative Hold-up assay, (iii) implement the experimental information in the MimicINT method and pipeline to improve the interaction predictions between host and foreign proteins, (iv) predict and confirm experimentally high affinity interactors to block the bacterial hijacking and finally (v) quantitatively model the functional consequences of the interaction perturbations, based on the observed changes in network topology.

We seek for a candidate motivated by systems biology that includes computational modelling, data analyses as well as protein production and interaction studies. Previous experience in either bioinformatics and/or in biochemistry is expected.
Very importantly, as the project will be carried out in two laboratories and generate massive datasets , candidates must be highly organized to work both on the computational an experimental parts that could progress at different paces.

You can find further details, contact information and the application form at the following URL:

https://centuri-livingsystems.org/phd2021-03/