Postdoc: Bioassays for antimicrobial resistance selection in water samples

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing morbidity, mortality, and health-care expenditures worldwide. The (semi-)natural aquatic environment functions as an important reservoir and dissemination route of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), where bacteria carrying these ARGs can proliferate in the presence of antibiotic residues and other antimicrobially active chemicals. In this context, in vitro and in silico methodologies are needed to support aquatic AMR surveillance and chemical risk assessment practice.

The Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam seeks a highly motivated and talented candidate holding a PhD degree in (eco)toxicology, microbiology, analytical chemistry or a related field, to join our Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE). During this 22-month full-time postdoctoral position, you will contribute to two research projects related to the environmental dimension of the urgent global health threat that is AMR. Your main focus will be on the development of an in vitro bioassay for AMR selection potential of water samples, as part of the NOSTRA project (Novel Surveillance Toolkit for Resistance selection potential of Antimicrobially active waters). You will also use your experimental results to develop an in silico mechanistic model of the relationship between antibiotic exposures and AMR selection. A smaller part of this position contributes to the SWIM project (Safe drinking Water production from AMR polluted surface water using Innovative Membrane technology). As part of SWIM, you will perform an environmental and a human health AMR impact assessment, based on a pilot study on improved water treatment in Jakarta (Indonesia).

We are looking for someone holding a PhD with a strong experimental background in (eco)toxicology and/or microbiology, with experience in in vitro toxicity testing, preferably with bacterial culturing techniques. Moreover, the candidate has demonstrable experience with translating experimental findings into computational in silico models and assessments, using R, Python, or more advanced programming languages. As the research crosses multiple research domains within and beyond A-LIFE, we are looking for someone who flourishes working in a team and enjoys building bridges between experts from different disciplines.

Your duties

• Develop bioassay by applying molecular techniques such as cloning, expression of fluorescent proteins in bacteria, cell sorting;
• Run in vitro bioassays on water samples;
• Mechanistic modelling of chemical toxicokinetics and -dynamics;
• AMR and antibiotics impact assessments for local Jakarta population and environment.

Requirements:

• PhD in (eco)toxicology with microbiological affinity, or PhD in microbiology with (eco)toxicological affinity;
• Knowledge of, and experience with, molecular techniques such as transformations, cloning, cell sorting;
• Affinity with in vitro toxicity testing, preferably with bacterial culturing techniques;
• Extensive experience in (mechanistic) biological and chemical modelling;
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 4.185,00 (Scale 10.05) and maximum € 4.492,00 (Scale 10.07) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 22 months.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• contribution to commuting expenses

De Boelelaan 1108