Postdoc in molecular microbiology and functional cloning of…

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the biggest challenges for human and animal health. We are seeking a candidate for a vacant postdoc position in molecular microbiology with a focus on function and in situ genomic location of antimicrobial resistance genes in complex bacterial communities (microbiome).

The postdoc will be affiliated with the Genomic Epidemiology Research Group, which primary task is to conduct targeted research with the aim of predicting and preventing infectious diseases in humans and animals, and supporting global detection, surveillance and control.

The Genomic Epidemiology Research Group is together with several partners worldwide and funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the European Union establishing a global surveillance of infectious diseases and AMR to a large extent based on metagenomic sequencing of urban sewage, samples from permafrost and other samples (www.globalsurveillance.eu , www.veo-europe.eu ).

The Genomic Epidemiology Research Group is a world-class leading in AMR detection and surveillance using sewage as monitoring matrix. Several AMR genes (colistin, ceftriaxone, and tetracycline) were functionally detected from positive clones from sewage samples, yet without respective AMR gene. Similarly, several AMR genes were identified in sewage samples without functionally positive clones. The positions will attempt to target such genes from sewage and ancient permafrost plasmidomes and chromosomal DNA and build several clone libraries that contain the targeted genes for functional cloning in an appropriate recipient bacterial cell. An important research objective is to identify novel AMR genes by functional cloning and determine the bacterial host location of known and novel genes.

The postdoc’s main responsibility will be to perform functional cloning and characterisation of AMR genes main on human sewage obtained from global sources.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• Your main responsibility will be to clone and characterise AMR genes from different samples and determine the genetic location using different molecular methodologies.
• Establish and organise all the cloning libraries.
• With assistant from other group members, test the clones for antimicrobial resistance functions.
• You will communicate research results by presenting data at project meetings and international conferences, and write reports and manuscripts for publication.
• You will engage in the general work carried out by the research group, including discussions and planning of strategies and projects, drafting research grant proposals, etc.
• If your interest lies here and time allows, you will also supervise students and contribute to the group’s teaching activities.
• Daily work will be in close collaboration with other researchers in the Genomic Epidemiology group and national and international partners associated with the global sewage project. Collaboration includes active participation in national and international meetings and conferences, sharing of data and results, and contribution to joint publications.

The ideal candidate:

• Holds a PhD degree within one of the following areas: microbiology, biochemistry or similar.
• Proficient in cloning techniques, and wide knowledge of cloning vectors, systems and competent cells. Including fosmids.
• Has documented experience with molecular microbiology.
• Preferably, has experience with antimicrobial resistance and is familiar with bioinformatics and genetic epidemiology.
• Is able to work independently and able to plan and carry out complex tasks, while having the ability to engage constructively in a large, international and cross-disciplinary research group.
• Has good English communication skills, oral and written.
• Is ambitious and has a strong drive for obtaining high-quality results.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years and starting date is according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of Research Group, Professor Frank M. Aarestrup, [email protected]

You can read more about the Genomic Epidemiology Research Group at http://www.food.dtu.dk/english/Research/Genomic-Epidemiology

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 23 November 2022(Danish time). Apply at www.career.dtu.dk

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The National Food Institute (DTU Food) works within six technical focus areas: Biotechnology, nutrition, food quality, food safety, food technology and environment & human health. Activities cover a wide range of food products throughout the entire food chain from farm to table, comprising both research activities and research-based consulting and teaching. Read more at www.food.dtu.dk

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DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.