Postdoctoral fellow in environmental dimensions of antibiotic resistance

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 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.

We announce 1-2 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. The group consists of 1 professor, 2 associate professors, 5 postdoctoral fellows, 3 PhD students, 1 technician, as well as master students. (http://biomedicine.gu.se/ominst/avd/infektion/forskare/joakim_larsson). Larsson also leads the Centre of Antibiotic Resistance Research at University of Gothenburg (CARe; www.care.gu.se) with over 100 researchers. The group has extensive collaboration with other universities, nationally and internationally. The research is interdisciplinary and has significant funding through e.g. the Swedish Research Councils VR and Formas. 

Subject area description
Many 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 how low levels of antibiotics and other antibacterial substances may affects processes such as mobilization of resistance genes, mutations, horizontal gene transfer, selection and transmission of resistance between environments. In some sub-projects, we study the evolutionary relationship between resistance genes in environmental bacteria and pathogens, and search for new forms of resistance in different environments 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 one postdoc who is interested in taking on the task to experimentally explore the environmental dimensions of antibiotic resistance, with focus on the role of selective agents in the environment.

Job assignments
The postdoctoral fellow is expected to conduct experimental research, primarily addressing environmental selection of antibiotic resistance. This could for example include study design, exposing bacteria or more complex microbial communities to different selective agents or mixtures, followed by studies of selection and/or other processes. The research may also involve other aspects regarding the selection, evolution, presence and transmission of antibiotic resistance, as part of other ongoing projects within the research group. Methods that could prove valuable include environmental sampling, culturing of bacteria, resistance phenotyping, gene expression studies in bacteria, various methods related to recombinant DNA-technology such as vector construction, cloning and induced constitutive and inducible expression of exogenous proteins in bacteria, gene-knockout, inverse PCR, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, bioinformatic analyses of DNA-sequence data generated via different technologies, etc. Within the group there is already competence within e.g. bioinformatics, structural chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and environmental sciences, and we collaborate closely with analytical chemists as well as with scientists outside the natural science domain. The work is expected to be conducted in collaboration, hence complementary expertise is valuable. The work also includes authoring/co-authoring scientific publications and presenting research at international scientific conferences.

To see the whole advertisement, please visit: 
https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=7〈=UK&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7&job_id=16669

For further information:
Please contact Joakim Larsson, professor. E-mail: joakim.larsson@fysiologi.gu.se

How to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

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

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.


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