Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbiology

Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbiology

University of Helsinki - Department of Microbiology

Helsinki, Finland

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the AMaRONE project (Risks and Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance Across One Health Sectors), funded by the Research Council of Finland. The project investigates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the human-animal-environment interface and combines environmental microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and One Health approaches to identify emerging resistance threats and develop strategies for their mitigation.

Project description

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across human, animal, and environmental reservoirs remains a major One Health challenge arising from the interconnectedness and complex interactions among these sectors. Resistant bacteria and resistance genes can move between environments, while resistance evolution and transmission can introduce novel genes or clinically relevant hosts into the global AMR pool.

To slow the spread of resistance, preserve antimicrobial efficacy, and protect public health, there is a pressing need for approaches that move beyond surveillance towards proactive mitigation. AMaRONE addresses this challenge by identifying novel AMR genes of greatest concern from environmental microbial communities, validating their resistance phenotypes and mobility through laboratory experiments, and developing preventive mitigation strategies that integrate computational predictions with experimental validation.

The successful candidate will have substantial freedom to shape the scientific direction of their work within the broader objectives of the project.

Responsibilities

We welcome applicants with expertise in computational microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular microbiology, or combinations thereof. Depending on the successful candidate's expertise and interests, the project can be tailored towards computational analyses, laboratory-based validation experiments, or an integrated approach combining both.

The work may involve:

• Developing and applying bioinformatic approaches to identify and prioritize novel antimicrobial resistance genes from environmental metagenomic datasets;
• Designing and conducting molecular microbiology experiments to validate resistance phenotypes, mobility, and mitigation strategies of prioritized AMR genes;
• Communicating research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific conferences;
• Co-supervising PhD and MSc students working within the project;
• Contributing to the development of new research directions and participating in grant applications.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds a PhD degree in microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, or another relevant field of life sciences;
• Has a strong publication record relative to career stage and demonstrated scientific initiative;
• Is able to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse and international research environment;
• Has excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

The following experience is considered an advantage:

• Antimicrobial resistance research;
• Metagenomics, microbial genomics, or bioinformatics;
• Statistical programming in R or Python;
• High-performance computing environments;
• Molecular cloning and functional characterization of genes;
• Supervision of students;
• Interdisciplinary or One Health research.