The laboratory of Dr. Tessa Andermann seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to support an NIH R01-funded research program investigating antimicrobial tolerance and resistance in Enterobacterales in the gut microbiome. The successful candidate will lead a project that integrates classical microbiology with genomics to characterize clinical bacterial isolates and to define the mechanisms underlying -lactam tolerance.
The position entails advanced bench microbiology skills, along with a strong interest in bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance. Core responsibilities include: culturing and maintenance of a clinical isolate collection; antimicrobial susceptibility testing and time-kill (kinetic bactericidal) assays to characterize the activity of single agents and drug combinations; DNA extraction and preparation of samples for whole-genome sequencing; and microbial bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data, including genome assembly and annotation, detection of resistance genes and mobile genetic elements, and comparative and phylogenetic analyses that link genotype to phenotype.
The postdoctoral researcher is expected to work independently designing, troubleshooting, and interpreting experiments with minimal supervision as well as to present findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences and to contribute to manuscripts and grant progress reports. Depending on interest and experience, there may be opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students and help shape the project’s scientific direction.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with aseptic technique and bacterial culture, including growth and maintenance of Gram-negative organisms.
Experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and/or time-kill (kinetic bactericidal) assays.
Experience in microbial bioinformatics, including working in a Unix/command-line environment and analyzing whole-genome sequencing data (genome assembly, annotation, and detection of resistance determinants) using at least one scripting language (e.g., Python, R, or Bash).
Ability to work independently designing, troubleshooting, and managing a research project with minimal supervision.
A record of scientific productivity (peer-reviewed publications) commensurate with career stage.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Experience working with multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales or other clinical bacterial isolates.
Familiarity with BSL-2 practices and safe handling of clinical/pathogenic organisms.
Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms (e.g., -lactamases and carbapenemases, efflux, porin loss) and mobile genetic elements.
Molecular biology experience (PCR/qPCR, cloning, plasmid isolation and characterization).
Experience with comparative genomics, phylogenetics, or bacterial genome-wide association analysis.
Prior experience mentoring students or trainees.
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