PhD student position in antibiotic research

Information about the research
A PhD position is now available in the antibiotic research group within the Division of Chemical Biology.

The discovery of antibiotics such as penicillin revolutionized modern medicine but this privileged situation could soon change drastically. To reverse the trend of increasing antibiotic resistance and prevent a fallback into a pre-antibiotic era, we need to minimize the development and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment. In order to achieve this, it is essential to understand the countermeasures that bacteria employ to acquire tolerance or resistance to drugs.

In our group, we are particularly interested in the bacterial cell envelope, which is the location of many important stress response systems. We are investigating the role of the bacterial cell envelope as both antibiotic target and location of bacterial countermeasures against antibiotic stress.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
We are now recruiting a PhD candidate to work on a new research project on the role of membrane microdomains in soil bacteria. Soil bacteria are constantly exposed to changing environmental conditions such as fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and pH. The soil is also a highly competitive environment and many soil microorganisms produce antimicrobials to compromise the fitness of competitors. In addition to these natural factors, soil bacteria are also exposed to man-made toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides, environmental pollutants, and antibiotics from livestock farming. Considering this variable and challenging environment, it comes to no surprise that soil bacteria have developed a range of coping mechanisms to sense and survive these stress conditions.

The main sensory interface of the bacterial cell with its environment is the cytoplasmic membrane. Bacterial membranes are by no means homogenous but characterized by a distinct microdomain organization. In this project, you will focus on characterizing membrane domains and their association with cell envelope stress response systems in different bacteria hat dwell in soil communities, including plant and human pathogens. You will employ advanced cell biological methods, live cell imaging, ans purification and resonstitution of proteins in model membrane systems. The position also involves molecular cloning and strain construction and offers the possibility for a short-term research stay in a collaborating laboratory abroad.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Master of Science or at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field (Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or similar). Basic microbiological laboratory experience and good verbal and written English skills are mandatory.
We are looking for a highly motivated and well-organized individual with good problem-solving skills and the ability to deliver high precision lab work. You should be able to work independently and develop your project further on your own initiative. The project is of interdisciplinary and collaborative nature and we are seeking a person with a cooperative mindset and the ability to communicate results to interdisciplinary and international co-workers. Experience with microscopy, molecular cloning techniques, or protein purification are a merit. Knowledge of Swedish is not a selection criterion but non-Swedish speakers are encouraged to take a Swedish course during their PhD. Appropriate courses are offered by Chalmers free of charge.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200547 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 January 2021

For questions, please contact:
Michaela Wenzel, wenzelm@chalmers.se, 0046317722074

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***