PhD Project in Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering – Does mechanical stress induce persistence in bacteria? –

Project description

In the laboratory of Biophysical Engineering, the Institute of Industrial Science, at the University of Tokyo, Japan, we have an open project for Master or PhD students.

Conventional antibiotics often target proliferation or metabolism of bacteria. Therefore, bacteria in a dormant state that do not grow evade the attack or antibiotics, becoming persister. The mechanism how only one out of thousand bacteria acquires persistence is still unknown. Here, we study a hypothesis that the mechanical stimuli are involved in the activation of persistence. The candidate will employ biophysical technique such as atomic force microscopy together with other microscopy and spectroscopy tools (e.g. FRAP, EIS, BLM, FRET, ITC, CD, EM) to test this hypothesis.

Clarifying the mechanism of persistence will help with developing treatment towards the current crisis of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Please visit our webpage for the details!

Keywords

Antimicrobial resistance, persistence, microbiology, mechanobiology, biophysics

Qualifications

Highly-motivated students with any background who are interested in pursuing a research career are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

If you are interested, please send your CV to kaori-s@iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp. Selected candidates will be invited to an online Interview. Once the candidate passed the interview, he/she will be guided to go through the applications for the PhD program and scholarships at the University. Due to the large number of the applications, we will contact the candidate only if he/she was selected for the interview.