We are seeking a research associate in microbial evolution/ecology as part of an interdisciplinary award team investigating the use of a hydrogel biofilm model for the investigation of microbe-pathogen associations in the cystic fibrosis lung microbiome.
Individuals with cystic fibrosis experience periodic pulmonary exacerbations, characterized by a myriad of respiratory symptoms – sputum production, breathlessness, cough etc. – which contribute to the morbidity and mortality of this patient population. Many “principal pathogens” have been identified whose presence correlates with these events. We have identified bacteria that are able to inibit these pathogens; in this project, we will use a hydrogel biofilm model to investigate these interactions more closely to elucidate mechanisms of action.
This position provides an excellent opportunity for ambitious researchers interested in applying microbial and bioinformatic approaches to our understanding of how bacteria compete within the human microbiome. The project will use a hydrogel model that mimics the spatial structure of the human lung in combination with genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic investigations to better understand mechanisms of interbacterial competition. The postholder will be embedded within our Microbial Evolution Research at Manchester (MERMan; ) research consortium, comprised of 14 PIs and > 50 researchers, and will be encouraged to develop new collaborations and lines of research within the project’s collaborations with the University of Nottingham, McMaster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Calgary.
The postholder will be based at the University of Manchester within the group of Dr. Fiona Whelan, but will collaborate closely with the other research groups as part of the project team.
You should have (or soon receive) a PhD in microbiology and experience in microbiology research or equivalent experience. Candidates with training in the use of hydrogels or polymers are strongly encouraged to apply.