Postdoctoral fellow in microbiology and antibiotic resistance

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 Subject area
Microbiology and antibiotic resistance

Subject area description
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a significant threat against human health. One of the cornerstones for the management of antibiotic resistance is surveillance. To be informative, surveillance data needs to be based on samples from a large number of individuals. This is a resource-demanding process, which prevents implementation in many low- and middle-income countries. Wastewater samples can contain excreted bacteria from thousands of individuals and could thus be attractive for surveillance purposes.

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Job assignments
We look for a postdoctoral fellow who can contribute to the further development and evaluation of a wastewater-based surveillance system, and to study the risks for emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens via horizontal gene transfer in wastewater environments. The successful candidate is expected to conduct both experimental and field studies in order to address the research questions/tasks mentioned above.

The work will include collection of wastewater samples for further analysis, which will comprise both culture-based as well as PCR and DNA-sequencing based methodologies. An important part of the work is to assign resistance genes detected in wastewater samples to their bacterial hosts. Further, the work will include studies on horizontal gene transfer using experimental systems involving complex microbial communities.

Eligibility
An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as postdoctor at Göteborg University. The doctoral thesis shall be in a relevant area according to the specific position stated here. Since a position as postdoctor aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity mainly to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application.

The qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Assessment
PhD in a relevant subject and previous research on antibiotic resistance is required, with particular weight given to experience from work with wastewater samples in relation to surveillance purposes (wastewater epidemiology) and horizontal gene transfer. It is meriting to have experiences of both culture-based methodology, such as selective bacterial cultivation and large-scale susceptibility testing, and DNA-based methodology, such as qPCR and DNA-sequencing, including whole-genome sequencing (both short-read and long-read sequencing) and subsequent analysis. Experience of techniques for linking detected resistance genes to their bacterial hosts in complex communities, such as epicPCR, is strongly meriting. The applicant should also have good communicative skills particularly regarding scientific communication in English, both written and oral, a developed way of critical thinking, an ability to work successfully in a group as well as good scientific production in relation to the date of PhD defence.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Employment
The employment is full time and temporary, two years, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

For further information:
Please contact: Carl-Fredrik Flach, Associate Professor, carl-fredrik.flach@microbio.gu.se

Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

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/

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 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

Closing date: 2021-10-26

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.


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.