PRR Project

Summary

RATIONALE FOR THE NEED TO HIRE THIS CHAIRAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the foremost global public health threats, having been directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and an estimated indirect contribution to 4.95 million deaths. The global alarm is evident; in 2019, the WHO declared AMR among the top 10 global public health threats, while in July 2022, the European C    omission and the Member States, identified AMR as one of the top three priority health threats. AMR’s spread does not recognize country borders, affecting all regions across all income levels. Projections indicate that, by 2050, there will be more deaths by drug-resistant bacterial infections than by cancer, potentially imposing a staggering cost of up to USD 100 trillion on the world economy. AMR jeopardizes many gains in modern medicine, considering the high incidence in surgical procedures and medical device utilization. Central to AMR’s challenge is the search for alternative, safe and sustainable antimicrobial solutions, either for application in clinical settings or for agriculture applications, which is the primary focus of antibiotic application. Bacteriophages (phages) (i.e. viruses of bacteria) have emerge as a very promising alternative to control bacterial infections. Phages are a source of novel proteins with great biotechnological potential in health, and world leading research groups are being stablished with real impact to treat chronic infections and save lives of patients with no options left. Some phage-derived proteins have already reached the market, while others await for clinical approval.In response to this urgent global issue, CEB proposes 4 research positions that address distinct strategies to tackle the complexity of AMR. In this scientific profile, CEB aims to invest in a position focused on applied research using phage-derived proteins to advance the development of novel diagnostic tools and innovative antibacterial agents against AMR bacterial infections. In particular, applied research will be pursued based on protein engineering strategies to improve human health.SCIENTIFIC PROFILE REQUIREDThe ideal candidate should have a PhD in chemical and biological engineering, molecular biology, biomedical engineering or biotechnology, with background in microbiology, recombinant DNA technology, proteomics, genomics and animal models. A good proven track record, demonstrating high quality research in this field, will be valued. Experience in doctoral supervision, management of research projects, and participation in outreach events will also be valued.TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE PROSPECTIVE RESEARCHERThe candidate to be recruited will be required to conduct original research to harness the potential hidden in bacteriophage proteome, to identify novel proteins, for the development of innovative medical diagnostics and alternative therapies, aiming to provide solutions for the AMR. It is expected a solid contribution to the body of knowledge in this field, as assessed through scientific publications and/or patents.The selected candidate will also be required to be actively involved in grant proposal development, by participating in large R&D projects submission and also to secure his/her research projects, as principal investigator. As such, project management will be a pivotal duty of this Chair.Recruiting undergraduate students will also be pivotal for the successful development of this Chair. As such, formal supervision duties, for both MSc and PhD students will be required.The selected researcher will also be encouraged to establish and develop new collaborative networks with both national and international researchers, that can complement the ongoing efforts related to AMR and phage-derived control strategies. In line with this duty, it is expected the candidate participation/engagement in international events.The chosen candidate will also be required to participate in CEB outreach events and will be given the liberty to propose and organize novel outreach events. Furthermore, the candidate will also be stimulated to participate in the governing of CEB, as an active member of its scientific council, and will be encouraged to engage in specialized governing committees.