PRR Project

Summary

Job Description: Highly experienced Assistant Researcher with a strong background in microbiology, molecular epidemiology, and bacterial typing techniques (including whole genome sequencing-based techniques), focusing on bacterial surveillance studies, antimicrobial resistance and interface between carriage and disease. This role involves leading innovative research to understand the biology of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium and other pathogens, uncovering bacterial population dynamics and antimicrobial resistance dissemination through a One Health approach, identifying potential therapeutic targets, and spearheading collaborative efforts with national/international healthcare institutions to support antibiotic stewardship and infection control. Key Responsibilities: 1) design and conduct cutting-edge research on molecular biology of human pathogens and antimicrobial resistance; 2) participate in national and international surveillance projects on multidrug-resistant pathogens, employing a One Health approach to evaluate prevalence rates, identify unexpected reservoirs and detect antimicrobial resistance and virulence; 3) apply advanced genomic technologies for bacterial molecular typing; 4) implement molecular and genomic based analysis to understand the drivers of the transition from carriage to infection in S. aureus and E. faecium or other opportunistic pathogens; 5) collaborate with interdisciplinary teams within and outside the institution; 6) establish and strengthen collaborations with national/international healthcare institutions, to assemble relevant bacterial collections for surveillance; 7) provide specialized services to hospitals, including characterization of atypical clinical strains, detection of resistance/ virulence genes and bacterial genotyping; 8) support collaborations with industry, especially pharmaceuticals, by offering expertise in antimicrobial activity assays; 9) lead and manage research projects, including securing funding, project planning, execution, and results dissemination; 10) mentor and supervise PhD, Master and other post-graduate students; 11) contribute to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and organization, and participation in scientific committees; 8) teach at a postgraduate level (master and PhD); 12) actively engage in citizen science and outreach activities. Scientific Profile: 1) PhD in Biology, Microbiology, or related field; 2) proven experience, through publications, in bacterial surveillance studies preferably focusing on S. aureus, and in a One Health perspective; 3) experience leading and managing collaborative projects with healthcare institutions, including establishing Ethics commission protocols; 4) proficiency in antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular typing methods; 5) competence in conducting antimicrobial efficacy quantitative assays; 6) experience in assembling and curating bacterial culture collections; 7) high track record in international journals as first author; 8) strong leadership, mentorship, and student supervising skills; 9) excellent communication and organization abilities; 10) teaching experience at postgraduate level, both theoretical and practical; 11) fluency in English and Portuguese (spoken and written). Rationale for Hiring: Hiring an Assistant Researcher specialized in molecular biology and epidemiology of microbial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance is critical to advance our understanding of multidrug resistant infections and antimicrobial management. Antibiotic resistance is deemed the next pandemic and the hiring of a researcher with such a profile will guarantee the knowledge to successfully attract funding and students, and to respond to upcoming society demands. Focusing on the molecular epidemiology of WHO priority pathogens such as S. aureus and E. faecium, will expand the existing research capacity by providing expertise on molecular surveillance and genomic analysis of bacterial pathogens with high impact in clinics; in establishing a One Health framework to extend partnerships to the veterinary, agriculture, and environmental settings; and implement bacterial experimental models for testing antimicrobial activity, resistance development and pathogenicity, fostering the collaboration potential. The candidate´s unique blend of skills will enable breakthrough discoveries in pathogens’ population dynamics, emergence of new resistance mechanisms and identification of potential therapeutic targets. Further, the candidate will be pivotal to strength the links between the institution and national healthcare, and to expand our bacterial collection. Selecting a candidate with a proven track record in antibiotic-resistant bacterial surveillance ensures research sustainability and growth. This role is essential in driving our mission on global health promotion and equal learning oportunities.