Postdoctoral fellow in antibiotic resistance

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Postdoctoral fellow in antibiotic resistance

We seek a PhD for a full time postdoctoral position (24 months) within the research group led by Professor Joakim Larsson, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The focus of the research group is on antibiotic resistance development, particularly the role of the external environment. (https://www.gu.se/en/biomedicine/about-us/department-of-infectious-diseases/joakim-larsson-group). Larsson also leads the Centre of Antibiotic Resistance Research at University of Gothenburg (CARe; www.gu.se/en/care) with over 100 researchers. The group has extensive collaboration with other universities, nationally and internationally. The research is interdisciplinary and has significant external funding. 

Most of the resistance genes that cause problems in the clinic today seem to originate from harmless, environmental bacteria. Our group studies the driving forces behind this development, particularly the effects of low levels of antibiotics and antibacterial biocides in wastewaters from hospitals, municipalities and industries (see Larsson’s website). In some sub-projects, we study the evolutionary relationship between resistance genes in environmental bacteria and pathogens, and search for new forms of resistance using both bioinformatic methods as well different large-scale functional screens. We also study how analyses of resistant bacteria in sewage can inform predictions of the local, clinical resistance situation. A better knowledge about all these processes and drives will be valuable to be assess and respond to threats to our health. We are now looking for a postdoctoral fellow who is interested in taking on the task to experimentally explore the environmental dimensions of antibiotic resistance.

Duties 

Depending on the applicant’s background, he/she is expected to conduct experimental research, addressing one or several of the research areas mentioned above. This could include e. g. exposing bacteria /microbial communities to selective agents or mixtures/wastewaters, followed by studies of selection, or involve identifying novel, mobile resistance genes. Valuable methods include environmental sampling, culturing of bacteria, resistance phenotyping, functional metagenomics, gene expression analyses, various methods related to recombinant DNA-technology such as vector construction, cloning and expression of exogenous proteins in bacteria, gene-knockout, inverse PCR, , epic-PCR, bioinformatic analyses of DNA-sequence data, etc. Within the group there is already competence within e.g. bioinformatics,  microbiology, molecular biology and environmental sciences, and we collaborate closely with clinicians, analytical chemists as well as with scientists outside the natural science domain. The work also includes authoring/co-authoring scientific publications and presenting research at international scientific conferences. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree or equivalent ideally not more than three years old. For detailed instructions see: https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=7〈=UK&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7&job_id=25096

Assessment criteria 

PhD in relevant area, as well as excellent scientific production in relation to the time passed since completing PhD are required. A high degree of independence including extensive experience of practical molecular and microbiological analyses with the techniques indicated, experience from relevant research on antibiotic resistance, previous international postdoc experience, excellent communicative skills particularly regarding verbal and written scientific English, a developed way of critical thinking, experience from working at different labs and an ability to work successfully in a group are all additional qualifying criteria. See also chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Employment 

The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension. First day of employment as agreed.  

Contact information 

Joakim Larsson, Professor. E-mail: joakim.larsson@fysiologi.gu.se

Unions 

 https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

 Application 

Submit your application via the recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete by the final application deadline.  

The application should contain:

- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying

- A CV including a list of publications

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

Applications must be received by: 2022-08-16

 

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 


The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.