Job Description

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) invites applications for the position of Research Fellow.

We are seeking a creative, independent, and enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher to investigate mechanisms of bacterial signaling and communication during lifestyle transition between planktonic and biofilm, notably during infection. The candidate will work with an integrated team of microbiologists, biochemists, cell biologists, and clinicians to define the mechanisms by which Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative pathogen, triggers a multitude of phenotypic adaptation, including motility, attachment, or exopolysaccharide matrix production. The biofilm transition results in an antibiotic tolerant bacterial community. One key second messenger involves in this adaptive process is c-di-GMP. P. aeruginosa involves dozens of makers (diguanylate cyclase, DGC) or breakers (phosphodiesterase, PDE) to modulate the intracellular concentration so that at high c-di-GMP level the biofilm forms. The project will involve deciphering and controlling the c-di-GMP network to prevent or disperse P. aeruginosa biofilms in various contexts, including during ecological niche and host colonization. The project will include standard microbiological techniques, fluorescence microscopy, bacterial genetics, transposon-based screens, cell-based infection, and analysis of changes in bacterial and host gene expression.

Key Responsibilities:

Work within a team to achieve key performance indicators of research projects

• Acquire proficiency in discipline-specific knowledge
• Acquire new technical skills, as required by the project
• Plan, design and implement independent research project
• Supervise research staff and/or graduate students in the plan, design, and implementation of projects
• Assist with organization and management of the research team

Communicate research progress and outcomes regularly

• Prepare technical reports for the program PIs and present data at regular group meeting
• Take lead role in manuscript preparation for scientific journals
• Present research at external conferences and meetings

Maintain open communication with colleagues

• Regular communication, as needed, with principal investigators, collaborating colleagues, lab members, SBS administrative staff
• Serve as postdoctoral representative, on a limited basis, on internal committees

Job Requirements:

• PhD in microbiology, or related field, with significant experience in microbiology
• Specific expertise in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bacterial regulatory networks, c-di-GMP signaling, bacterial genetics and genetic screens, molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, protein purification.
• Desired but not essential expertise in cell biology and omics.
• A demonstrable record of excellence in presentation of research and peer-reviewed publication is required
• Demonstrable ability to work independently, within a large and collaborative team

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU

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