Download Modelling ecology and evolution of antimicrobial resistance in the

PhD position - Modelling ecology and evolution of antimicrobial resistance in the gut
microbiota of poultry (1.0 FTE)
Job description
Plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance (pAMR) occurs in both humans and animals and requires
One-health solutions, which include a holistic approach integrating veterinary, medical and
environmental disciplines. The susceptibility and contagiousness of pAMR depends on ecological and
evolutionary processes in the microbiota of the host. A consortium of Utrecht University (UU) and
Wageningen University (WU) will study the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of pAMR in gut
microbiota of chickens using mathematical modelling and experiments in the project, entitled
“Microbiome Invasion and Transmission of plasmid-mediated Antimicrobial Resistance”, a.k.a. “MITAR”,
supported by a grant of ZonMW.
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate, who wants to contribute to our fundamental understanding
of the ecology and evolution of pAMR with an eye for application of the results to obtain better
interventions and risk analyses. Tasks of the candidate include development and analyses of
mathematical models, development of theory and analysis methodology, as well as validation of these
methods with experimental data sets. Furthermore, the candidate will design, conduct and analyse in
vivo experiments using chicken.
The candidate will work at UU in close collaboration with a post-doc in evolutionary microbiology at
WU. The project will be supervised by Prof Arjan Stegeman (UU), Prof Arjan de Visser (WU), Dr Egil
Fischer (UU) and Dr Mark Zwart (WU).
Qualifications
A suitable candidate for this project has analytical skills with an original and innovative mind. The
candidate is required to work independently and in collaboration with the Post-doc at WAgeningen UR,
other PhD-students at UU, technicians and her/his supervisors.
A suitable candidate holds an MSc degree recognized by the board of promotions in one of the life
sciences with a strong quantitative component, such as theoretical biology, systems biology, physics,
chemistry or epidemiology. The candidate should be able to use at least one programming language,
preferably R or Wolfram Mathematica, and have proven experience with the use and development of
computational models for the study of (biological)dynamical processes. Experience and affinity with
working with experimental animals is preferred.
Dissemination of the results will consist in writing a PhD-thesis and peer-reviewed articles in scientific
journals, as well as presentations at international conferences and stake-holder meetings. Therefore, a
suitable candidate has a high level of English in writing and speech according to CEFR proficiency level
C.
Offer
We offer a 1,0 fte position an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension for in total
three FTE years. Salary starts at €2,191 and increases to €2,801 (scale P of the Collective Labour
Agreement of the Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment in the fourth year of
the appointment (according to NWO standards). Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8
% and a year-end bonus of 8.3 % per year. In additions, there are outstanding secondary
benefits such as a minimum of 29 days holiday per year (for a fulltime appointment), study facilities,
and a pension plan. For further information: working at Utrecht University.
About the organization
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research
and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards
major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions, Life Sciences and
Sustainability.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University (FVM-UU) is the only Veterinary School in the
Netherlands and belongs to the international top in education, research and veterinary medical patient
care. FVM-UU is one of the few European veterinary schools accredited by the American and Canadian
Veterinary Medical Associations and the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary
Education. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and
counts 1,500 students.
The Department of Farm Animal Health focuses on the three core tasks of education, research and
patient care. However patient care at the Department of Farm Animal Health facilitates education and
research. In our research and education, we pay attention to the individual animal, but to an
increasing degree also to larger groups of farm animals. The veterinary care provided by the
department also focuses on this issue.
Wageningen University and Research (Wageningen UR) is a leading international organization in the
life sciences, particularly in the field of healthy nutrition and living environment. With 6,500 employees
and 10,000 students from more than 100 countries, Wageningen UR is a truly international
organisation operating across the world. The scientific quality of research performed at Wageningen UR
is evidenced by several international rankings and citation indices. The quality of Wageningen
University as an institute of academic education is shown by its repeated top rank in the Netherlands
for several studies, including biology.
Research within the Laboratory of Genetics centers around the interrelationship between genetics,
heridity and evolution, and takes place within the Department of Plant Sciences. Current research
addresses the following three themes: (1) Generating variation; (2) Genetics and levels of selection,
and (3) Genetics of adaptations. A range of experimental model systems are used, including bacteria,
fungi, plants and insects. The group of Prof Arjan de Visser uses the approach of microbial
experimental evolution to address fundamental evolutionary questions. A major recent line of research
involves the evolution of antibiotic resistance, particularly beta-lactams.
Additional information
For more information about this position, please contact Dr Ir Egil Fischer, [email protected], + 31
302531119.
The interviews will be held on March 21, 2017.
Please do NOT send your application to this address.
Apply
You can send your application and cv via the application bottom below.
The application deadline is
05/03/2017