Dioscuri Centre for Physics and Chemistry of Bacteria Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS Warsaw, Poland
National Science Centre (NCN), Poland
Project title, type and project number
Transition from genetic to phenotypic antibiotic resistance in de novo bacterial mutants Funded through OPUS-22, 2021/43/B/NZ1/01436, 11/2023
Project leader
Dr Bartłomiej Wacław
Description
The purpose of this project is to investigate the population dynamics of antibiotic-resistant mutants of the bacterium E.coli immediately after their emergence due to spontaneous mutations.
Number of vacancies
1
Key responsibilities include
We seek a talented post-doctoral researcher to contribute to the project “Transition from genetic to phenotypic antibiotic resistance in de novo bacterial mutants”.
The project will involve creating a microfluidic device suitable for live imaging of 109 bacterial cells, tracking antibiotic-resistant spontaneous mutants that evolve in the device, and measuring their growth rate over several generations. This will be complemented with DNA sequencing and in situ visualisation of mutations using a CRISPR/Cas9-based technique developed by another post-doc.
The project will also use mathematical modelling to interpret the data and predict the effect of the genotype-to phenotype transition on the dynamics of bacterial infections.
Theorists and computational researchers interested in image processing and seeking to gain wet lab experience are encouraged to apply.
Main responsibilities:
1. Planning and execution of specific elements of the research program, acting under general guidance of the supervisor. This will involve deciding (with the supervisor) on the detailed direction of the research, formulating a strategy for day-to-day research work, implementing the strategy (without close supervision), interpreting obtained data, drawing conclusions, and reporting progress to the supervisor.
2. Communicating research results to team members and collaborators at IPC and other institutions through talks and discussions, as well as learning about others’ research through seminars and journal clubs.
3. Assisting with supervision of junior researchers (Master and PhD students), where appropriate.
4. Writing reports and scientific papers.
5. Attending and presenting at workshops and conferences.
6. Keeping up-to-date with relevant scientific developments through literature review.
Position in the project
A postdoctoral researcher
Job type
Full time
Salary
Gross salary 11000 PLN/month (net salary approx. 8700 PLN, approximately 1800 EUR).
Position starts on
1.05.2023
Maximum planned period of contract/stipend agreement
The position is initially for 1 year, after which it may be extended for another 2 years (maximum total duration 3 years) subject to satisfactory performance
We offer
The successful candidate will benefit from working in an international, interdisciplinary research group, and a newly refurbished, modern lab and office space. The candidate will work closely with other experimentalists and modellers from the Dioscuri Centre. The candidate will have the opportunity to visit other research groups in Europe and to participate in international workshops and conferences.
In the case when a theorist/computer modeller without prior lab experience is recruited, they will be trained in basic microbiology, microfluidics and imaging techniques.
More details
see websiteScientific discipline
Biology, Physics, or Chemistry
Scientific profile of a candidate
Recognised Researcher (R2)
Requirements
Essential
Desirable
Candidates who possess these additional skills will be prioritized.
Key assessment criteria
Experience as detailed above, publication track record, performance during the interview
All documents (including the reference letters) should be emailed to rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl quoting “Rekrutacja nr 11/2023” in the subject line.
About the Dioscuri Centre
The Centre’s main objective is to better understand bacterial growth and evolution in the natural environment of pathogenic bacteria: the interior of an animal cell and animal secretions. The members of the Centre use experimental in vitro models of infections, computer simulations and mathematical theory to create data driven, quantitative models of bacterial growth and evolution in these environments. Research performed in the Centre will contribute towards the understanding of bacterial infections and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance in animal and human hosts. The Centre collaborates with research institutions in Germany, the UK and the US. The Centre is co-funded by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, with additional support coming from NAWA.
Application deadline
31.03.2023 17:00
Deadline for the settlement of the competition
16.04.2023
Archival announcement. We would like to thank all candidates for their submitted applications.