海外

Research Fellow in Microbiology : Brighton, United Kingdom
Employer: University of Brighton
Website: http://www.brighton.ac.uk
Location: Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, South East England, United Kingdom
Type: Postdoctoral
Posted: March 23, 2012
Expires: May 04, 2012
Requisition number: BATCIC

job descriptionExperienced researcher (4-10 years research experience) position (Marie Curie Fellow) at the University of Brighton (UoB). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary network of leading researchers, in a project which aims to develop novel bacteriophage to combat catheter associated urinary tract infection.Experienced Researcher (4 – 10 years research experience) position in the context of the Marie Curie Industry-Academia Partnership and Pathways (IAPP) Project “BATCIC”.The primary aim of this project is to develop novel bacteriophage based strategies to combat catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), a prevalent health care associated infection for which there are currently no effective countermeasures. Indwelling urethral catheters (IUC) are the most commonly deployed medical devices, and CAUTIs are the most common healthcare associated infections. It has been estimated that ~100 million urinary catheters are used annually in healthcare systems around the world, which equates to ~190 catheterisations per minute. IUC are used to manage a wide range of conditions, and are frequently deployed for the management of long-term incontinence in elderly individuals, patients with spinal cord injuries, as well as long stay ICU patients. In general IUC constitute a convenient and effective form of bladder management which enhance quality of life for many patients, and their use for control of long-term conditions (particularly incontinence in older people) is commonplace.
However, IUC allow bacteria from a contaminated external environment to access a vulnerable, nutrient rich body cavity, and the care of catheterised patients is frequently complicated by the development of CAUTIs. The treatment cost for CAUTIs is estimated to be an additional £1327 per patient with an annual total cost to the UK NHS of £92-99 million. This situation is mirrored in healthcare systems across the European Union and the rest of the world. Of more concern than the financial burden of CAUTIs, is their impact on patient welfare and quality of life. In particular, those undergoing long-term catheterisation have an increased risk of developing additional, often life threatening complications due to the acquisition of CAUTI, including cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, renal scarring, kidney and bladder stone formation, bacteraemia and septic shock.This project will utilise a broad range of both standard and novel microbiology techniques, including methods to evaluate bacterial biofilm formation such as parallel plate flow chamber assays, in vitro models of infection, and bioluminescent imaging approaches. The position also offers the candidate excellent opportunities to network and meet other researchers both from academia and industry. The successful candidate will join a consortium for researchers from the UK and Ireland, and will be expected to take part in intra-consortium conferences and other knowledge transfer activities.Principal duties:
- Isolate and characterise bacteriophage active against p. mirabilis
- Examine impact of phage on biofilm formation on catheter biomaterials
- Evaluate a range of phage for ability to prevent catheter associated UTI using a range of in-vitro infection models
- Explore strategies for phage immobilisation as novel surface coatings
- To engage in the knowledge exchange and dissemination activities (including publication of scientific papers) appropriate to the BATCIC project.
Skills.
-A good (1 or 2:1) degree, in a relevant subject area-PhD in a suitable discipline, with a strong element of microbiology.-Sufficient, up to date breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of relevant research methods and techniques to work within, and evidence of commitment to engage in continuous professional development.-Competent IT skills, and able to use standard office applications.-A strong background in microbiology is essential, and experience in molecular microbiology and/or of working with bacteriophage are also highly desirable although not essential.-Experience with analysis of bacterial biofilm formation is also desirable although not essential.How to apply
e-mail: n.jacobs@brighton.ac.uk and request an application form. All applicants must complete the Univeristy of Brighton application form to be considered for this position.

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