Dr. Daniel H. Scharf’s group is recruiting postdoctoral researchers.

Position 1：

Project background – Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most ubiquitous of the airborne saprophytic fungi. Humans and animals constantly inhale numerous conidia of this fungus. The conidia are normally eliminated in the immunocompetent host by innate immune mechanisms, and aspergilloma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, uncommon clinical syndromes, are the only infections observed in such hosts. Thus, A. fumigatus was considered for years to be a weak pathogen. With increases in the number of immunosuppressed patients, however, there has been a dramatic increase in severe and usually fatal invasive aspergillosis, now the most common mold infection worldwide. The focus of our lab, include (a) genomic and molecular characterization of the organism, (b) clinical and laboratory methods available for the diagnosis of aspergillosis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts, (c) identification of host and fungal factors that play a role in the establishment of the fungus in vivo, and (d) identification of novel antifungal targets.

In this project, the successful applicant will use our sophisticated in vitro and ex vivo model systems to investigate important aspects of Aspergillus fumigatus interaction networks during pathogenesis, focusing on the direct interaction of A. fumigatus with host epithelial cells. The overarching goal is to elucidate the pathogenicity mechanisms which lead to host damage. 

Candidate’s profile – We expect a degree in Life Sciences (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology). Furthermore, the applicant should be able to perform team-oriented as well as independent work. Practical experiences in one or more of the following subjects are beneficial: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Infection Biology, Cell Biology. Practical experience in cell culture, genomics or fungal genetics is an advantage.

Position 2：

Project background –Gliotoxin (GT) is the prototype of the epidithiodioxopiperazine (ETP)-type fungal toxins. GT plays a critical role in the pathobiology of Aspergillus fumigatus. It modulates the immune response and induces apoptosis in different cell types. The toxicity has been attributed to the unusual intramolecular disulfide bridge, which is the functional motif of all ETPs. Specifically, GT induces apoptosis, prevents NF-B activation by inhibition of the proteasome and inhibits angiogenesis, to mention only some of its effects on host cells. Other ETPs produced by various pathogenic fungi might also play a role in the virulence mechanisms of these fungi.

In this project, the successful applicant will try to identify and isolate novel ETPs and work on the elucidation of their respective biosynthetic pathways. 

Candidate’s profile – We expect a degree in Life Sciences (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology). Furthermore, the applicant should be able to perform team-oriented as well as independent work. Practical experiences in one or more of the following subjects are beneficial: hands-on skills in LC-MS and MS/MS, imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), previous experience in purification (HPLC) and chemical characterization of diverse types of natural products by high field NMR, HRMS, LC-MS.

Position 3：

Position Project background –Gliotoxin (GT) is the prototype of the epidithiodioxopiperazine (ETP)-type fungal toxins. GT plays a critical role in the pathobiology of Aspergillus fumigatus. It modulates the immune response and induces apoptosis in different cell types. The toxicity has been attributed to the unusual intramolecular disulfide bridge, which is the functional motif of all ETPs. Specifically, GT induces apoptosis, prevents NF-B activation by inhibition of the proteasome and inhibits angiogenesis, to mention only some of its effects on host cells. Other ETPs produced by various pathogenic fungi might also play a role in the virulence mechanisms of these fungi.

The aim of the project is to translate the knowledge from biosynthetic pathways of natural products into organic chemistry, achieved by developing novel chemoenzymatic synthesis tools. In many pathways large parts of the molecular complexity are set up by tailoring enzymes. These enzymes will be studied regarding their potential to act as biocatalysts that can substitute late and crucial steps in total syntheses. Therefore, interesting candidate enzymes should be identified and structural characterized. 

Candidate’s profile – We expect a degree in Life Sciences (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology). Furthermore, the applicant should be able to perform team-oriented as well as independent work. Practical experiences in one or more of the following subjects are beneficial: protein expression, purification and characterization, hands-on experience in protein crystallization, crystal handling and X-ray data collection, experience in protein crystallography including data processing, structure determination and refinement is a plus.

Requirements

1. Basic requirements

The ideal candidates would be or possess:

（1） Outstanding newly PhD graduates from top overseas universities or universities listed in China’s “Double-First Class” initiative or preponderant disciplines, usually under 35 years old for Chinese applicant, 40 years old for Foreign applicant, and healthy.

（2） Strong capability of research innovation and project organization.

（3） Available for full-time post-doctoral research work.

2. Academic requirements

The candidates are supposed to meet the academic requirements of the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University

Package

1. The annual salary is around RMB200, 000 yuan, and the fringe benefits are subject to the relevant post-doctoral regulations of Zhejiang University.

2. The post-doctoral research lasts from 2 to 4 years determined by the school, supervisor, and postdoctoral fellow himself according to the research projects. Postdoctoral research fellows who have been in the position for 3 years or above may apply for senior professional and technical positions.

3. Postdoctoral research fellows can apply for various project funding during their stay.

4. Postdoctoral research fellows with excellent performance and outstanding academic achievements can be recommended to apply for the position of teachers in the school when they leave the position.

Application materials

1. Resume

2. Academic achievements and rewards list

3. Supporting materials

Please submit the application materials to Dr. Daniel H. Scharf：dscharf1@arcor.de with the subject “application for postdoctoral research fellows+name+name of supervisor”.

Contact information

Dr. Daniel H. Scharf

E-mail: dscharf1@arcor.de