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Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Discovery of Antimicrobial Agents

Employer
USDA-ARS Research Participation Program
Location
Peoria, Illinois
Salary
Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience + relocation + travel allowance
Closing date
Feb 7, 2020

Job Details

Postdoctoral Research Opportunity

in Discovery of Antimicrobial Agents

A postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) to identify novel antimicrobials that can be utilized in agriculture and biorefining. 

The Renewable Products Technology (RPT) research unit at this location develops new technologies for converting agricultural materials into high value chemicals, enzymes, and polymers. In addition, the researchers in this group also study innovative antimicrobial methods that can be utilized to control microbial contamination in biorefining fermentations and create novel antimicrobial agents for application in agriculture.

The global antibiotic market was valued at $45 billion in 2018, but emerging resistance represents a significant threat to both the economy and health of humans and livestock. Current mitigation strategies include development of antibiotic adjuvants and alternative antimicrobial agents to combat this problem. The objective of this opportunity is to identity novel antimicrobials for biorefining and agricultural applications. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will utilize bioinformatic screening to identify genes involved in the synthesis of small molecule natural products, bacterial hydrolases, phage endolysins, and antimicrobial peptides. The participant will also support cloning efforts to overexpress candidate genes to optimize production of identified compounds and use them for testing antimicrobial activity.

The participant will have the opportunity to learn about current methods of microbial control used in biorefining and agriculture, techniques for overproduction and analysis of antimicrobial agents, and procedures for structural analysis of novel compounds. They will also have the ability to interact with numerous scientists in our facility, travel to scientific meetings, and attend technical workshops.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. A health insurance allowance and an allowance for travel to scientific meeting to present research results will also be provided. Some relocation expenses may be reimbursed.

Company

ORISE is a U.S. Department of Energy asset that is dedicated to enabling critical scientific, research, and health initiatives of the department and its laboratory system by providing world class expertise in STEM workforce development, scientific and technical reviews, and the evaluation of radiation exposure and environmental contamination. 

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Research Participation Program will serve as the next step in the educational and professional development of scientists and engineers interested in agricultural related research. On this site you will find information about the opportunities available at ARS research facilities.

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