Postdoctoral fellows 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.

To see the full advertisement, please visit https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/vacancies

Subject area

The environmental dimensions of antibiotic resistance.

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 affect processes such as mobilization of resistance genes, mutations, horizontal gene transfer, selection and transmission of resistance between environments.

Job assignments

We seek three postdoctoral fellows whose competence within microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics complement each other. A postdoctor with strong microbiology expertise is expected to conduct experimental research addressing environmental selection of antibiotic resistance. The postdoctors with molecular biology and bioinformatics expertise are both expected to primarily address the role of the environment as a genetic source for resistance factors to emerge in pathogen. The research may also involve other aspects regarding the selection, evolution, presence, surveillance 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, functional metagenomics, policywork, bioinformatic analyses of DNA-sequence data generated via different technologies, programming in Python, R etc. Each postdoctoral candidate is not expected to have experience with all of the above, but could be more or less experimentally/theoretically oriented. 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.

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.

Assessment

A PhD in relevant area is required, as well as relevant scientific production of high quality at a volume that is good in relation to the time passed since completing the PhD. Particular attention will be given to previous experience from research closely related to the described work, a high degree of independence including extensive experience of practical molecular, microbiological or bioinformatic analyses with several of the techniques indicated, excellent communicative skills particularly regarding verbal and written scientific English, a developed way of critical thinking, experience from working at different labs in different countries, and an ability to work successfully in a group are all additional qualifying criteria.

Employment

The employment is full time and temporary, two years, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment 15th of January 2021 or as agreed.

For further information:

Regarding the position please contact Professor Joakim Larsson by e-mail: joakim.larsson@fysiologi.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

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: 2020-11-22

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.