Diversity and Interactions of Plasmid-Dependent Phages in Aquatic Ecosystems

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Department of Water and Environment Doctoral Program Subject: Biology Description of the Doctoral Project: Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. A key driver behind the spread of AMR is horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes via conjugative plasmids, mobile genetic elements that move between bacteria. Plasmid-dependent phages (PDPs) are viruses that specifically infect bacteria carrying these plasmids, making them a potentially powerful but so far overlooked tool for controlling the spread of resistance genes. This doctoral project is part of ECOPHARM, a research project funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (Wallenberg Academy Fellows 2025). The overarching goal of ECOPHARM is to map the mechanisms governing PDPs' interactions with conjugative plasmids and bacterial hosts, and to understand their impact on the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic environments. As a doctoral student, you will investigate the diversity, ecology, and functional interactions of PDPs in aquatic ecosystems. The work will combine environmental sampling, culture-based methods, metagenomics, genome analysis, and infection assays. You will work in a dynamic and internationally connected research environment at the intersection of microbial ecology, virus-host coevolution, and AMR research. To learn more about our research, you are welcome to visit our website https://www.bionomics-mmlab.com/ Work Responsibilities: As a doctoral student, you are expected to: Design and conduct field sampling in aquatic environments to map PDP communities Perform laboratory experiments to study PDP–plasmid–host interactions under controlled conditions Apply metagenomic and bioinformatic tools to analyze data from microbial and viral communities Contribute to experimental work with phage isolation, cultivation, and infection assays Present results at lab meetings, national and international conferences, and contribute to scientific publications Follow laboratory guidelines for data management Communicate progress and obstacles in a timely and clear manner Collaborate with national and international project partners within the ECOPHARM network Qualifications: Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at the advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at the advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39). Special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in the subject of Biology is held by those who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits (hp) in biological subjects. These must include an independent work and at least 30 hp must be at the advanced level. Furthermore, you must have knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish secondary school. Your Background: Requirements: A master's degree in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, environmental science, or a closely related field Background in microbiology or molecular biology Experience with laboratory techniques relevant to microbial or environmental research Strong English skills, both written and spoken Merits: Experience with bioinformatics or computational analysis of sequence data Knowledge of phage biology, plasmid biology, or antibiotic resistance research Experience with sampling in aquatic or other natural environments Personal Qualities We Seek: High degree of independence – you take initiative, define problems on your own, and drive the work forward in dialogue with your supervisor Collaborative mindset – you actively contribute to a good team environment and support your colleagues Clear communicator – you can convey complex ideas both in writing and orally, to both specialists and non-specialists Curiosity, thoroughness, and the ability to manage scientific uncertainty About Us: The Department of Water and Environment is a center of excellence for applied environmental research with national responsibility for monitoring the environmental status of Swedish lakes and watercourses with regard to water chemistry, environmental pollution, and aquatic biota. Research at the department focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, microbial ecology, and environmental chemistry and aquatic ecotoxicology. The department has over 150 employees, of which approximately half are researchers/doctoral students and the other half are technical and administrative staff. More information about the department: http://www.slu.se/vatten-miljo Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/. Employment and Salary: Employment as a doctoral student (4-year education). Salary for the doctoral position follows local collective agreement with fixed salary steps. Extent: 100% Location: Uppsala Start Date: 2026-10-01 Application and Selection: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by 2026-08-30. Your application should include: One page where you reflect on (1) why you want to pursue a doctorate, (2) why you specifically see our research group as a good match for you, and (3) why this project interests you Two publications related to the topic "plasmid dependent phages" that you find most interesting All application materials must be written in English Read more about the attachments that your application should also include at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ Selection among eligible applicants will be based on the attachments submitted with the application, and shall be made with consideration for the ability to complete the education within the set time frame. Trade Union Contact Persons https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

Přehled

Typ

job

Stav

active

Viditelnost

public

Město

Uppsala

GPS

59.8520701, 17.7188369kopírovatotevřít v ▾

Email

[email protected]

Telefon

+46721694228

Zobrazení

2

Publikováno

4. 6. 2026

Upraveno

21. 6. 2026

Parametry