August 8, 2022

Characterization of the antibacterial activity of certain antimicrobial-derived metabolites and their implication in the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria of animal origin.

Offer of Master's degree (M.Sc.) in microbiology with the possibility of moving on to doctorate (Ph.D.) –Research Chair in Meat Safety (RCMS)

Project | Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern that poses a serious threat to human, animal, and environmental health. The phenotypic and molecular study of AMR in bacteria of animal origin is often based on the evaluation of the link between the use of antimicrobials (parent molecules) and the resistance profile of the studied bacteria. We still do not know if the metabolites of antimicrobials – released after the biodegradation of these molecules in animals – are involved in the selection and development of AMR. The objective of this research project is to characterize both the in vitro and then in vivo antibacterial activity of the main metabolites derived from some medically important antimicrobials as well as the molecular mechanisms of bacterial resistance to these compounds in relation to their parent molecules.

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More information in the PDF.

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Host institution. The RCMS is a research and teaching structure in food safety and risk analysis. It is composed by a dynamic team including 4 researchers, 2 research staffs and a dozen of graduate students coming from all over the world. The main research themes focus on the characterization of foodborne pathogens, the study of antimicrobial resistance, and the comparison of microbial ecosystems and bacterial interactions, in a farm-to-table approach.

Remuneration. The student will be funded by a research grant from NSERC. Students with a very good academic record will be encouraged to apply for internal or external funds in order to obtain additional financial support.
Start of the program. The start of the project is scheduled for the winter 2023 or summer 2023. Interested candidates are encouraged to express their interest as soon as possible.

Research directors. Mohamed Rhouma, DMV, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor (Director) and Marie-Lou Gaucher, DMV, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor (Co-director), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal.
To postulate. Candidates must send a CV, a cover letter