Position: Postdoctoral researcher position in microbial Nanopore sequencing
Project Title: Nanopore sequencing technology implementation in a clinical microbiology laboratory for rapid bacterial and antimicrobial resistance genes identification.
Description: The successful applicant will join the groups of Sherif Abou Elela and Simon Lévesque at the Université de Sherbrooke/CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS for a pilot study of the implementation of nanopore sequencing technology in a microbiology hospital laboratory. The association of Université de Sherbrooke and the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS is a unique partnership to develop concrete applications based on research work, with the aim of improving patient care. The successful applicant will develop a high-information-content, direct rapid identification, and antibiotic resistance assay using nanopore sequencing technology. The ultimate goal is to bypass the reliance on bacterial culture, thereby significantly reducing identification time and enhancing accuracy in detecting antimicrobial resistance.
Work Environment: The Abou Elela group is part of the microbiology and infectious diseases department of the Université de Sherbrooke. His focus is mainly on molecular biology, cell biology and transcriptomic approaches to understand snoRNA function in ribosome and cancer biology. Simon Lévesque is a clinical microbiologist and molecular biology specialist with extensive experience in developing and implementing diagnostic tests at the microbiology laboratory of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS. The collaboration between Abou Elela and Lévesque offers a rich collaborative environment between experimental and clinical biologists and allowing development and implementation of new technology. Abou Elela founded and operates the U de Sherbrooke RNomics, protein synthesis and bioinformatics facilities providing the applicant with privileged access to state-of-the-art equipment and a large knowledge base.
Sherbrooke is a friendly, dynamic, and bilingual university city, nestled in the beautiful Eastern Townships of the Province of Quebec, close to the US border and just a short drive away from Montreal and Quebec City. The University of Sherbrooke provides an exceptional quality of work and life environment: cost of living is low, with excellent access to outdoor activities.
Experience Required: Applicants should have a recent (<3 years) Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology or related discipline. Candidates with a background in bacteriology, antimicrobial resistance, nanopore sequencing, bioinformatics analysis will be preferentially considered. A good ability to use written and spoken English is required, French is optional. Only candidates with relevant publication record will be considered.
Salary and Work Conditions: We offer a 2-year contract as well as support to raise competitive funds through fellowships and extensive. Salaries will be according to the Canadian Institute of Health Research guidelines.
How to Apply: Please send a cover letter with past research accomplishments and future research interests, a CV with a publication list, and the contact information of three references to: sherif.abou.elela@usherbrooke.ca and simon.levesque@usherbrooke.ca
Deadline: January 31, 2024