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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Medical Research

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Jun 7, 2017

Job Details

Job Description

A postdoctoral Research Associate is required immediately to investigate metalloenzymes involved in antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The position involves using a combination of approaches, including some or all of: in silico docking and screening, in vitro enzyme assays, structural methods and antibacterial screening experiments; to identify potential enzyme inhibitors and characterize their interactions with these targets. The position may also involve more fundamental structural and mechanistic investigations of target enzyme activity using the approaches outlined above.

Our targets are two metalloenzyme classes involved in resistance to key antibiotics used to treat infections by Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Zinc-dependent (metallo) beta-lactamases (MBLs) are hydrolytic enzymes that protect these organisms by degrading almost all classes of beta-lactam antibiotics, including the carbapenems- key agents in the treatment of healthcare-associated infections by multiresistant Gram-negative bacteria. The phosphoethanolamine transferase MCR-1 protects bacteria from the action of the polymyxin antibiotic colistin- the drug of last resort reserved for the most resistant pathogens- by modifying the lipid A component of the bacterial outer membrane. In both cases combinations of antibiotics (carbapenems or polymixins) with specific inhibitors of resistance enzymes may restore antibiotic susceptibility of producer organisms, enabling resistance to be overcome and prolonging the effective lifetime of available antibiotics. The main aim of this project is to identify such inhibitors and characterize their interactions with their targets. 

The post is supported for one year with funds from the US National Institutes of Health and the UK Medical Research Council. It will be housed in the Microbiology laboratories of the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, although some experiments are expected to be undertaken using facilities elsewhere in the Schools of Biochemistry and Chemistry. The project may also involve visits to the Diamond Light Source synchrotron radiation facility for the purposes of X-ray data collection. The project would suit a recently qualified PhD. graduate with experience investigating protein:ligand interactions by in silico or experimental approaches, or in evaluating antibacterial activity of candidate antimicrobials and combinations. Applications from candidates with experience of multidisciplinary working are particularly encouraged. The project involves collaboration with other UK Universities (Cardiff, Oxford) and with external institutions in the USA, Argentina, Uruguay and China.

Informal enquiries would be welcome to: Dr. J. Spencer (Jim.Spencer@bristol.ac.uk).

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday, 7 June 2017.
The University is committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive culture.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

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