PhD Position in Phage Biology and Antimicrobial Research
The Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, invites applications for a full-time PhD position in the field of microbiology, bacteriophage biology, and antimicrobial research. This position is based in Warsaw.
The project centers on Staphylococcus aureus, a major human pathogen responsible for infections ranging from mild skin conditions to severe diseases such as pneumonia and sepsis. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains, including MRSA, has created a critical need for alternative therapies. This PhD will investigate lytic bacteriophages from the Kayvirus genus, known for their strong activity against S. aureus. These phages encode many proteins, many of which remain uncharacterized.
Recent discoveries suggest that these phages produce novel secreted peptides during infection. These molecules may play key roles in:
- Regulating phage infection cycles
- Influencing bacterial virulence
- Modulating host–phage interactions
- Enhancing phage therapy effectiveness
Research Objectives
The project is structured around three main objectives:
1. Mechanisms of Peptide Maturation and Secretion
- Identify signal peptides and processing pathways
- Determine involvement of host vs. phage enzymes
- Validate mechanisms using molecular and genetic tools
2. Functional Characterization of Phage Peptides
- Structural and computational analysis
- RNA-seq to study gene expression patterns
- Experimental assays to evaluate effects on bacterial physiology
3. In Vivo Infection Studies
- Use Caenorhabditis elegans as an infection model
- Study the impact of phage peptides on virulence and infection outcomes
- Assess implications for phage-based therapies
Qualifications & Skills Required
Applicants should:
- Hold a Master’s degree in biological sciences or a related field
- Have laboratory experience in microbiology or molecular biology
- Demonstrate strong motivation for research
- Possess excellent English communication skills
- Experience with protein work, microscopy, or related techniques is advantageous.
For more phage-related research opportunities, check here
This job post was originally curated by www.thephage.xyz/jobs
