Funded MSc/PhD Positions Available: Ecology of Antimicrobial Resistance in Agriculture

Within the context of better understanding the role that agriculture may play in promoting antibiotic resistance, graduate student positions are available for individuals who will conduct research on the dynamics of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance determinants in agroecosystems. Relevant areas of focus will include

1) Dynamics of genes associated with antibiotic resistance following land application of manures or biosolids;

2) Interactions of antibiotic drug residues with soil microorganisms;

3) The fate in an animal model microbiome of antimicrobial resistance genes and associated genetic elements following ingestion of environmental samples. A variety of microbiological, molecular and biochemical techniques are used in the laboratory, including, but not limited to, culture-dependent/independent techniques, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, nucleic acid extraction, and quantitative-real time PCR.

Field experiments are undertaken on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Research farm. Students will be registered in the Department of Biology at the University of Western Ontario, with research undertaken in the laboratories of Drs. Ed Topp and Michael Fruci at the AAFC Research Centre in London, Ontario.

Qualifications:
• Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in antibiotic resistance and microbial ecology
• Experience in bacteriology, molecular biology (cloning, PCR, quantitative real-time PCR), and animal handling are an asset
• Knowledge and interest in agriculture and food production are an asset
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work both independently and in a team

Start date: Immediate for the fall, or the winter term of 2018.

For examples of our recent publications and further information on the University of Western Ontario consult:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Edward_Topp
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael_Fruci
http://www.uwo.ca/biology/graduate/prospective/index.html

Application Instructions:
Individuals who are interested in the position should submit (i) a curriculum vitae, (ii) a copy of official transcripts, (iii) and a letter indicating motivation, career interests and goals to:

Dr. Ed Topp
Principal Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario

E-mail: ed.topp@agr.gc.ca

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Postdoctoral Research Associate Position:

Ecology of antimicrobial resistance in food production systems A postdoctoral position is available with Dr. Ed Topp, at the London Research & Development Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and the Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London Ontario.

The research concerns the dynamics and ecology of antimicrobial resistance genes and associated genetic elements in animal and human wastes commonly used as fertilizers in crop production systems.
The work will build on field and laboratory experiments that have now been ongoing for several years.
Project funding is provided by the Canadian Institute for Health Research through the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR https://www.jpiamr.eu/).

The project team includes colleagues from the University of Guelph, as well as colleagues from Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, Romania and Switzerland.
The successful candidate will thus have the opportunity for stimulating interactions with Canadian and international colleagues working on complementary research concerning the management of AMR development and transmission in food production systems.

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in microbiology or similar field with strong skills in microbial ecology and/or molecular biology. Ideally, candidates will also have the following attributes:

*A strong publication record from their graduate studies (papers published, in press, or submitted), creativity, independence, and the desire to learn and excellent communication skills.
* The position is renewable annually for up to three years, contingent upon job performance. A start date in the spring or summer of 2018 would be ideal.

Interested individuals should send a CV, a cover letter stating how previous experience would benefit the project, career interests and ambition, and names of three potential referees in PDF format to ed.topp@agr.gc.ca.

For recent publications from our research team please see
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Edward_Topp