Postdoctoral position (2 years) in molecular microbiology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

We are searching for a postdoc in molecular microbiology to the Department of Chemistry. The position is limited to two years and available as soon as possible. We welcome your application no later than 6 March 2019.

Project description and working tasks
Tuberculosis (TB) is the infectious disease that kills most people in the world and antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem. Treatment of multidrug-resistant TB requires several drugs for at least two years and the chance to recover is only 50 %. In a collaboration between the universities in Umeå (UmU), St. Louis, USA and Oslo, we have developed a class of substances that we call Mycobacterial Tolerance Inhibitors (MTI), which, without their own antibiotic properties, make persistent bacteria (resistant to isoniazid) sensitive. Rather, the substance acts as an activator or enhancer. In addition, the presence of these MTIs blocks the onset of genetic mutations that give isoniazid resistance. Isoniazid is one of the two most important drugs for TBC and isoniazid resistance makes treatment difficult. Our most revolutionary finding is that simultaneous exposure to isoniazid and MTI makes isoniazid resistant bacteria susceptible to isoniazid treatment. The purpose of the project is to develop MTI into an isoniazid potentiating drug. To develop the substances against a drug, we will evaluate them in TB strains along with other TB drugs. An important part of the research project will be to investigate and describe how MTIs affect the bacteria at a molecular level. The postdoc will have a major role in the biological part of the project and use molecular genetics as well as biochemistry to elucidate the MTI mechanisms of action in mycobacteria. The project will also contain microbiological work in risk class-3 environment as well as infection assays in human cell lines.

The employment is full-time and limited to two years. Starting date is as soon as possible or by agreement.

Qualifications
The required qualification is a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent in molecular biology or in an equivalent field. To be eligible the degree should have been completed a maximum of three years before the end of the application deadline unless special circumstances exist.

Previous experience in biological assays with 2-pyridones and work with microorganisms under biosafety level 3 conditions is required. Very good skills in English, both written and spoken is also a requirement. You should be highly motivated, have very good communication skills and ability to interact in a team. Knowledge about translational effects by tRNA modifications and mycobacterial biology in general are merits.

How to apply
A complete application, written in Swedish or English, should contain;

• A cover letter
• CV with a full publication list
• Copy of PhD degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates
• Copy of your PhD thesis
• Contact details of at least two reference persons
• Other documents you wish to claim

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruiting system. Log on and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The last day to apply is 6 March 2019.

For more information, please contact Professor Fredrik Almqvist, phone: +46 907866925 or email: fredrik.almqvist@umu.se.

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments in the Faculty of Science and Technology, with about 200 employees, including about 40 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. Three major areas of research; Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry and Technical Chemistry, represents the research and chemistry education of our department. We are also a strong partner in KBC, The Chemical-Biological Centre. For more information, visit our website www.umu.se/en/department-of-chemistry.