PhD in Multidrug resistant micro-organisms at UCMG, Goringen, Germany
- The project is a collaboration between the Centre of Excellence for Water (www.wetsus.nl) in Leeuwarden and the Department of Medical Microbiology of the University Medical Center Groningen (www.mmb-umcg.nl) in Groningen.
- Location : Wetsus Leeuwarden, UMCG Groningen
Short description of the project :
- Antibiotic resistance has become a global public health concern, as it becomes more difficult to treat infected patients. Moreover, antibiotic resistance has developed over time, from resistance to single classes of antibiotics to multidrug resistance. In addition, cross-resistance between heavy metals and antibiotics is increasingly observed. Prevention of transmission of multidrug resistant micro-organisms of public health importance (MDRO-PHI) is of high significance for public health in general and even more important within hospitals and nursing homes. It is known that cross-border healthcare and travel can have a high impact on the spread and prevalence of MDRO-PHI between and within countries, both in hospitals and in the community, presenting major therapeutic and infection control challenges.
- During the last years, there is growing scientific evidence that both MDRO-PHI and low concentrations of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) are found in sewage water, both before and after sewage treatment, as well as in natural surface waters. MDRO-PHI as well as ARGs from both human and animal origin are potential sources for water contamination. Although standard procedures in waste water treatment plants minimize the microbial load, other infection routes for humans still exist, such as the presence of free ARGs in water. These free ARGs can be taken up by sensitive or less–resistant bacteria by means of transduction, conjugation or transformation. So, when MDRO-HPI or ARGs are present in surface water, recreational and irrigational use of this water is hampered. Given the serious public health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, it is important to investigate the potential role of different types of water in the emergence and dissemination of MDRO-PHI and ARGs and to investigate the possible risks or public health.
- What do we need : We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a background in water research, Microbiology, molecular biology, next generation sequencing and/or Bioinformatics. Experience in one or more of these areas is beneficial. Furthermore, the PhD student should be able to take the initiative in the project, have good communication skills in English, and preferably in Dutch, and is a team player. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure.
- What do we offer : We offer you a PhD position for 4 years. You will be working in a new, innovative, dynamic and future-directed research institute. You will be able to put your stamp on the development of new water technology. You will work in close collaboration with our industrial partners and also with top research groups at various universities. Salary and working conditions are according to the collective labor agreement of the Cooperative Association of Dutch Universities (VSNU) for PhD students (€ 2.200, - gross per month in the first year and up to € 2.818, - gross per month in the last year). PhD students are appointed by one of the cooperating universities but research is mainly conducted at Wetsus in Leeuwarden.
- Applying for job : Interested candidates are invited to send, by email, a motivation letter, curriculum vitae (including at least two references) and a list of BSc and MSc courses and grades to recruitment@wetsus.nl (please do not use the digital form below).
Deadline : 26.10.14
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