Post-doctoral Researcher: Research on the Role of Toxin-antitoxin Systems in the Etiology and Epidemiology of Staphylococcal Infections

Jagiellonian University - Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology

Krakow, Poland

PLN 180 000 per year

Postdoctoral position in the OPUS 30 project titled “Research on the role of toxin-antitoxin systems in the etiology and epidemiology of staphylococcal infections ” (DEC-2025/59/B/NZ6/02232 )

Candidate should have:

• a PhD in biological sciences or related, obtained not earlier than 12 years before the year of employment (accounting for parental and other long-term leaves according to NCN rules).
• Additionally, the following are required:
  • practical knowledge of molecular biology techniques;
  • experience in working with bacteria, preferably staphylococci;
  • knowledge of bioinformatics, preferably experience in programming;
  • knowledge in bacteriology, epidemiology, and toxin-antitoxin systems;
  • meeting formal requirements for employment as a postdoctoral researcher in research projects financed by the National Science Centre (NCN).

OBJECTIVES OF EMPLOYMENT:

The individual hired for the postdoctoral position will act as a researcher in the OPUS project.

The proposed project aims to clarify the role of TA systems in the etiology and epidemiology of staphylococcal infections by combining comparative genomics, transcriptomics, molecular genetics, structural biology, and infection-related phenotyping. It will (1) explore the diversity and evolutionary paths of TA systems in S. aureus and other staphylococci; (2) examine how TA repertoires relate to virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and host specialization; and (3) study the molecular mechanisms and regulatory functions of key TA modules using gene deletions, stress phenotyping, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and microfluidic biofilm models.

Responsibilities:

• Close collaboration with the Principal Investigator, co-investigators, and PhD students;
• Developing research concepts and methodologies (genome mining, E. coli and S. aureus recombinant strains, production and purification of recombinant proteins, biofilm assays);
• Analyzing and archiving data, as well as preparing scientific publications and conference presentations.