The Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Virology is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (RA) to lead a groundbreaking project focused on massively parallel functional genomics and high-throughput screening of bacteriophage genes. This position offers the unique opportunity to work directly with Principal Investigator (Sukrit Silas) to advance the lab’s core mission—deploying an innovative screening platform across diverse bacterial species.
The RA will lead in constructing complex libraries of tens of thousands of phage genes and conducting functional genomics experiments that measure genetic interactions between phages and bacteria on an unprecedented scale.
The institute is at the forefront of applying systems biology approaches to fundamental questions in phage biology. Through these novel technical capabilities, we are systematically mapping the anti-viral immune architecture of bacteria to identify critical defensive barriers. This knowledge will drive the development of rationally engineered phage therapies to combat the escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Potential research projects will explore applications in:
- Neutralizing ESKAPE pathogens
- Developing phage therapeutics for antibiotic-resistant UTIs
- Reducing mortality in cholera epidemics
- Engineering phages to modify the oral microbiome
primary role will be developing and optimizing phage-host screening protocols using a broad range of molecular biology techniques, such as:
- Restriction enzyme cloning, Gibson Assembly, Gateway cloning
- Gel electrophoresis, PCR, bacterial transformation
- DNA/RNA purification and NGS sample preparation
- Leading and meticulously documenting complex projects using Benchling
- Assisting with research planning, including primer and vector design, experimental execution, analysis, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
For more phage-related research and job opportunities, click here https://jobs.thephage.xyz/
