Post-doc scholarship (2 years) to study bacteriophage-host…

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics and the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Infection Biology (Umeå University, Sweden) invite applicants for a post-doc fellowship to study bacteriophage-host interactions in Staphylococcus aureus.

Bacteriophages or phages are intrinsically related to pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance and one of the main factors in bacterial evolution. Additionally, they have the potential to be used as therapeutic tools. Thus, understanding how phages interact with their host is critical for our success combating bacterial infections. We study staphylococcal phages in our lab but also Mobile Genetic Elements in Staphylococcus aureus: i) Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome (SCC elements), responsible for Methicillin Resistance S. aureus or MRSA; ii) Staphylococcus aureus Pathogenicity Islands (SaPIs). Please for reference see Qiao et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 2022. This project focuses mainly on phages.

We offer a post-doc scholarship to study how staphylococcal phages exploit their host in their own benefit. To achieve this goal, we provide the candidate with the possibility to use a multidisciplinary approach: microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and structural biology. The research will take place in an international and well-funded research group. Outstanding facilities will be accessible, such as the Umeå Core Facility Electron Microscopy which is well equipped with state-of-the-art instruments. We always welcome candidates with a strong structural biology background and we would like to highlight that this project mainly focuses on the biological aspect of host-phage interactions, therefore, candidates with a strong background in microbiology, phage biology and molecular biology are strongly encouraged to apply.

More info about the lab is here: http://www.imsresearchlab.com/ .

The scholarship is full-time for two years. Tentative start day is the 1st of February, 2023.

Competence requirements position

To be eligible for the scholarship you should have a PhD or be in the final stages of your PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related disciplines. We are seeking applicants with experience in microbiology and bacteriophages. Applicants with a strong background in cryoEM are also encouraged to apply. You can consider yourself a strong applicant if you: i) are first author of at least two papers in high quality international journals; ii) have a genuine motivation for scientific research; iii) consider yourself a problem-solver person, someone who enjoys challenges and is determined to succeed; iv) value diversity (we are a group of people from three continents); v) have high standards for honesty, respect and collegiality.

We expect the candidate to be able to work independently, however, being able to perform as part of a team is crucial. Good oral and written communication skills in English are required.

The application

Interested candidates should send a single PDF file composed by i) a cover letter (1 page), ii) CV (2 pages max), iii) a complete publication list, iv) the contact information of 3 references (one of whom should be your PhD advisor) and v) copies of the latest degree certificate(s). The opening sentence of your cover letter should state how many publications you have and how many of those you are the first author.

Submit your application as a PDF marked with the reference number FS 2.1.6-2060-22, both in the file name and in the subject field of the email, to medel@diarie.umu.se . The application can be written in English or Swedish. Application deadline is 21 December 2022.

Further information

For more information, please contact Ignacio Mir-Sanchis, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, ignacio.mir-sanchis@umu.se .

More about us

At Umeå University, everything is nearby. Our cohesive campus environment makes it easy to meet, collaborate and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture where we rejoice in each other’s successes. If you are interested in knowing about Umeå University as a workplace, read more at: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/ .

Umeå University also offers a strong postdoc community with the Umeå Postdoc Society (UPS), which fosters networking amongst postdocs, organises social and career development events and works towards improving the postdoc experience at Umea campus. Check out their website: https://umeapostdocsociety.se/ , and do not hesitate to get in contact with them early on!

We look forward to receiving your application!