Location: Ostia Sciences Inc, University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Fellow to join our cutting-edge research team at Ostia Sciences Inc, located at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. The successful candidate will focus on the discovery, characterization, and therapeutic potential of bacteriocins produced by oral, skin, and milk bacteria, their role in regulating microbiomes, promoting immune functions, and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for bacterial fermentation and probiotic manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced research on the biosynthesis, structural characterization, and functional analysis of bacteriocins produced by oral, skin, and milk bacteria.
• Investigate the proimmune activities of bacteriocins, including their role in enhancing neutrophil recruitment, phagocytosis, and promoting anti-inflammatory macrophage responses.
• Perform whole-genome sequencing, gene expression analysis, and bioinformatics to identify and characterize the operons and genes involved in the production of bacteriocins.
• Develop and optimize methodologies for the extraction, purification, and structural elucidation of bacteriocins using techniques such as UPLC-QTOF-MS, NMR spectroscopy, and LC-MS/MS.
• Study the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of bacteriocins against pathogens and multispecies biofilms from oral, skin, and milk microbiomes, assessing their therapeutic potential.
• Design and execute bacterial fermentation processes, including optimization and scale-up for bacteriocin production.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for bacterial fermentation, ensuring reproducibility and scalability of bacteriocin production.
• Collaborate with immunologists to explore the immunomodulatory effects of bacteriocins in vitro and in vivo using various immunological assays and mouse models.
• Engage in the manufacturing processes of probiotics, ensuring the integration of bacteriocins into probiotic formulations for therapeutic applications.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in peptide chemistry, post-translational modifications, and advanced mass spectrometry techniques.
• Proven expertise in microbial genetics, genome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis.
• Strong background in immunology and experience with immunological assays and animal models.
• Experience in bacterial fermentation processes and developing SOPs for microbial production.
• Experience in probiotic manufacturing and integrating bioactive compounds into probiotic formulations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a track record of publishing high-quality research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with microbiome research and familiarity with the role of commensal bacteria in health and disease.
• Knowledge of bacteriocin biosynthesis and the regulatory mechanisms involved in their production.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining their research interests and suitability for the position.
• A detailed CV including a list of publications.
• Contact information for three references.

Contact Information:

Dr. Abdelahhad Barbour, CEO

contact@ostia-sciences.com

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

We offer a competitive salary and a stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities. Join us in advancing the understanding of microbial interactions and developing innovative therapeutic strategies for health.