A postdoctoral position is available in the MacLean lab until 30 May 2021 at the University of Oxford, Department of Zoology to use microbial genomic approaches to study the evolutionary dynamics and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in populations of pathogenic bacteria (P.aeruginosa, S.aureus and E.coli). This will involve using next generation sequencing technologies (Illumina, Nanopore, PacBio) to investigate genomic and transcriptomic changes in pathogen populations using (i) samples collected from patients and environmental reservoirs of pathogenic bacteria and (ii) samples generated by in vitro experimental evolution under defined laboratory conditions. By integrating these genomics insights with data from high-throughput phenotypic assays we will address a range of fundamental questions that are at the interface of evolutionary biology and microbiology.

1. How do pathogen populations respond to antibiotic use? Does resistance evolve by de novo acquisition of resistance or by selection on standing genetic variation?
2. How do pathogenic bacteria co-evolve with plasmids that carry resistance genes?
3. Can we predict which strains of pathogenic bacteria are most likely to evolve resistance to new antibiotics?
4. How can resistance be stabilized in pathogen populations?

This post is ideally suited to ambitious researchers who have experience in bacterial genomics, evolution and epidemiology as well as good team working and leadership skills. The postholder will work as part of a Wellcome trust funded team that brings together genomics, experimental evolution, and mathematical modelling, and the postholder will be given the opportunity to contribute to the development and direction of this project. The successful candidate will hold a doctoral degree in a relevant subject area.

Enquiries with CV: craig.maclean@zoo.ox.ac.uk

All applications need to made online by 12.00 noon on 16 January 2019.

https://www.recruit.ox.ac.uk/pls/hrisliverecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=138513