Bifidobacteria produce a unique extracellular sugarcoat, the glycocalyx, which is rich in exopolysaccharides. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are associated with many human-host benefits, including immune signal modulation, anti-pathogen effects, and a healthy gut, but a clear understanding of which exopolysaccharides are responsible for which health effects is missing. Currently, the only method to obtain exopolysaccharides is through isolation from bacterial culture broths, resulting in low yields and often low purities of exopolysaccharide samples. This makes it challenging to directly prove structure-activity relationships related to the bifidobacterial beneficial effects.

The goal of this PhD project is to develop enzymatic synthesis methods to produce a variety of bifidobacterial exopolysaccharides. Enzymes from the predicted biosynthesis pathways will be expressed and their activity will be validated. Combinations of enzymes will be employed to produce EPS structures of different lengths and levels of complexity. Plasmid engineering will be performed towards microbial cell factories that produce EPS structures. In collaboration, the resulting EPS structures will be tested for their functional effects in intestinal model systems and lay the foundation to prove bifidobacterial health effects. This PhD project will be in close collaboration with a PhD project on the chemical synthesis of EPS structures within the same NWO-Vidi project, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to this synthetic challenge.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented PhD candidate with:

• An MSc degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology/bioengineering, or equivalent certification.
• Strong experimental background in molecular biology, synthetic biology, or metabolic engineering.
• Hands-on experience with expression and purification of (membrane) proteins and enzymes will be seen as a strong asset.
• Capacity to think analytically and creatively.
• High motivation in pursuing academic research.
• Ability to work in an international team and collaborate with several research centers in Europe in a streamlined and professional way.
• An integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communicative and social skills.
• Fluent proficiency in English – written and oral.

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.