Postdoctoral Position in Clinical Microbiology and Epidemiology.

euraxess.ec.europa.eu - Jobboard; España; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 45.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

University CEU Cardenal Herrera invites postdoctoral researchers to apply for MSCA-25 fellowships in the field of antimicrobial resistance. The role involves innovative research on the effectiveness of natural compounds against infections and offers opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic research environment.

Formación

• Candidates with up to 8 years postdoctoral experience and strong research background.
• Laboratory experience and expertise in microbial cell culture prioritized.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct research on antimicrobial resistance and synergistic effects of flavonoids.
• Collaboration with microbiology, pharmacology, and molecular biology experts.

Conocimientos

Microbial cell culture

Educación

PhD in Microbiology, Immunology or Allied Health

Descripción del empleo

Organisation / Company University CEU Cardenal Herrera Department Biomedical Sciences Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

UCH-CEU welcomes early stage postdoctoral researchers with an excellent track record, to apply to the European Commission Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA-25) Postodoctoral Felloships or any other R2 reseach calls, such as: Juan de la Cierva (Spanish Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation).

Selected candidates will be provided with special assistance for proposal writing and development.

Hosting Research Group

Oral health plays an important role in the general health and well-being of the population. The most common oral health problems worldwide include dental caries, oral mucosal lesions, and oropharyngeal candidiasis and gingivitis. Infectious diseases due to microbial colonization play a significant role in the clinical setting. The oral microflora is composed of over 400 species. The interactions between these species and with the oral immune system are important for maintaining good oral health and preventing oral pathologies. When infected, our choice of therapeutic agents affects the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The research carried out by the Oral Microbiology Group UCH (OMG) aims harmonize with antimicrobial stewardship objectives through research into the use of adjuvants to reduce treatment doses. Our group has three main areas of investigation:

• Characterization of natural compounds as adjuvants for antimicrobial therapy
• Determination of the effects of nutritional choices on oral microflora in disease and health
• Dental black plaque: characterization and therapeutic approaches

The PI Veronica Veses (ORCID: 0000-0003-0063-0830) and Chirag C Sheth(ORCID: 0000-0002-8303-0218)

Publications and projects

Aliaghazadeh B, Pascual-Ortiz M, Martínez A, Veses V, Sheth CC. Unveiling the synergistic effect of icariin and azole drugs on Candida albicans . Front Oral Health. 2025 Feb 13;6:1517210. doi: 10.3389/froh.2025.1517210. PMID: 40017613; PMCID: PMC11866482.

Peris, M.C.; Martínez, A.; Ortíz, M.P.; Sheth, C.C.; Veses, V. Icariin in Combination with Amoxycillin-Clavulanate and Ampicillin, but Not Vancomycin, Increases Antibiotic Sensitivity and Growth Inhibition against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus . Antibiotics 2022, 11 , 233. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020233

Hsu H, Sheth CC, Veses V. Herbal Extracts with Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans: A Systematic Review. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2021;21(1):90-117. doi: 10.2174/1389557520666200628032116. PMID: 32600229.

Research Project Description

Our laboratory is at the forefront of research on antimicrobial resistance, focusing on innovative solutions to combat bacterial and fungal infections. We invite postdoctoral candidates from around the world to join our dynamic team and contribute togroundbreaking discoveries. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat, transforming treatable infections into serious health risks.

Our project aims to explore the potential of flavonoids, natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables, as co-adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and antifungals. Flavonoids like icariin and quercetin have shown promising antibacterial and antifungal properties, which could revolutionize treatment strategies and reduce the required doses of existing drugs. The objectives include:

• enhancing antibiotic sensitivity by investigating the synergistic effects of selected plant flavonoids with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus , a major pathogen responsible for hospital-acquired infections,
• improving antifungal efficacy by evaluating the combination of selected plant flavonoids with antifungals against Candida albicans , a common fungal pathogen,
• conducting RNA-seq analysis to understand the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds enhance antimicrobial sensitivity.

Join us to collaborate with experts in microbiology, pharmacology, and molecular biology, work in an advanced laboratory setting, contribute to solutions that address a critical global health issue, and grow professionally through opportunities for publications, conference presentations, and networking. Be part of a team that is making a difference in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Apply today and help us pave the way for innovative treatments that can save lives.

Candidate requirements: Dynamic P ostdoctoral candidates of any nationality (max. 8 years after defense) with a PhD in the following areas: Microbiology, Immunology or Allied Health (Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry) are welcomed. Strong background in microbial cell culture and laboratory experience will receive priority.

An expression of interest shall be sent to [e-mail] (Attn.: Chirag Sheth). Your file should contain the following elements:

• A short CV (Max. 2 pages).
• A short statement explaining why CEU would be the best host institution for your research.
• Two letters of reference.

For MSCA-PF 25 call, at the deadline for the submission of proposals (10/09/2025) candidates shall have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience and must not have resided or carried out their main activities in Spain or more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the abovementioned deadline.

Those files received before 15th of June will be considered for MSCA-PF 2025. Applications received after this date , will be considered for other calls after discussion with the candidate.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; phytotherapy; stimulants; adjuvant; priority pathogens