PhD Position in Multidrug Resistance and Quorum Sensing Mechanisms in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms of multidrug resistance and quorum sensing in a clinically relevant opportunistic pathogen.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a BSc or MSc in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or bioengineering, eager to bridge fundamental science and clinical applications in antibiotic resistance.
Overview
This PhD position at the Silesian University of Technology’s Biotechnology Centre focuses on the opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen *Stenotrophomonas maltophilia*, renowned for its intrinsic multidrug resistance and sophisticated quorum sensing systems. The project investigates the diffusible signal factor (DSF)-based quorum sensing network, which coordinates critical bacterial behaviors like biofilm formation and virulence. Applicants will conduct cutting-edge research to elucidate these mechanisms, contributing to potential therapeutic strategies against antibiotic-resistant infections. The work combines molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics, offering a multidisciplinary approach to tackling an urgent clinical challenge. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in microbiology or related life sciences and a passion for translational research.
What you'll do
- Conduct experimental research to characterize the genetic and molecular basis of multidrug efflux pumps in *Stenotrophomonas maltophilia*,
- Investigate the role of DSF-based quorum sensing in regulating bacterial virulence and biofilm formation using molecular biology techniques (e.g., CRISPR, gene editing, reporter assays),
- Perform genomic and transcriptomic analyses to identify novel resistance mechanisms and regulatory pathways,
- Develop and validate experimental models to test hypotheses about bacterial behavior and antibiotic susceptibility,
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to translate findings into potential clinical or biotechnological applications,
- Present research progress at national/international conferences and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals,
- Maintain detailed laboratory records and contribute to the supervision of undergraduate or master’s students, if applicable
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (MSc) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related life sciences discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and publication (no formal test score required but implied)
Instruction: English
- Proven experience in molecular cloning, PCR, and DNA sequencing techniques
- Familiarity with bacterial genetics and microbial culture methods
- Basic proficiency in bioinformatics tools for genomic data analysis
- Strong laboratory skills in microbiology and molecular biology
- Ability to design and execute independent research projects
- No nationality restrictions (open to international applicants)
- No prior PhD degree required (PhD will be offered)
- No age restrictions mentioned
- No prior experience caps specified
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15 (Europe/Warsaw)
Applicants must submit a formal application to the Biotechnology Centre at Silesian University of Technology. The application should include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, and a research proposal outlining the applicant’s approach to the project. Additional documents may be requested upon review.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Research proposal (1-2 pages)
- Two letters of recommendation (if applicable)
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