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. Projections indicate that, by 2050, there will be more deaths caused by drug-resistant bacterial infections than by cancer. We are presently facing a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections or minor injuries can become lethal. The development of new and effective antibacterial compounds is essential to avoid such a threatening future.  (Bacterio)phages, also known as the viruses of bacteria, play a major role in addressing this global emergency. Twenty years ago, phage therapy was rediscovered by Western scientists and entrepreneurs, and hailed as a possible savior to the accelerating AMR crisis. Many reports highlight successful cases of personalized phage therapy, while contrasting with reports of unsuccessful randomized controlled trials involving non-personalized bacteriophage products.This position is part of the 4 research positions that will address distinct strategies to tackle the complexity of AMR. In this scientific profile, CEB aims to invest in a position focused on understanding and improving viral therapies for bacterial infectious diseases. Specifically, it is intended to conduct fundamental studies to deepen the understanding of phage/bacteria interaction in the context of chronic and acute infections aiming to develop improved therapies through genetic manipulation of viruses.SCIENTIFIC PROFILE REQUIREDThe ideal candidate should have a PhD in microbiology, biomedical engineering, chemical and biological engineering or biotechnology, with background in phage isolation and characterization, phage-host interactions, genetic manipulation of phages as well as in phage therapy. A strong proven track record, demonstrating high quality research in this field, will be highly 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 focused on the study of molecular interactions between phages and bacteria in order to better apply phage therapy and also to develop engineered phages with enhanced antimicrobial properties.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 phage-host interactions in the context of phage therapy. In line with this duty, it is expected that the candidate will participate 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. 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.