Experimental evolution of antibiotic resistance

The Cooper Lab studies the genetic basis of microbial adaptation, especially the role of genetic and environmental interactions in determining mutation effects. These interactions are increasingly recognised as common and important, but are poorly understood. Examples of phenotypes that can depend on the nature of the interactions between underlying mutations include antimicrobial resistance, virulence, as well as of general patterns of growth. More details are available at cooperlab.org.

We are seeking a PhD student to join our group to work on a project examining the costs and consequences of antibiotic resistance across a range of natural isolates of bacteria. The project will centre on the introduction of specific resistance mutations into diverse bacterial strains and measuring both immediate resistance levels and costs, and assessing how those things change following periods of evolution in environments with and without continued selection for resistance. We will apply results of this work to better understand the role of evolvability in determining the opportunity for resistance to evolve and be maintained.

You will work in a supportive group composed of molecular and evolutionary biologists. The Cooper Lab is part of the School of Natural and Computational Sciences, a diverse group of researchers offering potential for collaboration and a range of training opportunities.

Auckland is a large and diverse city, built around two harbours and multiple volcanic cones. Massey University’s Auckland campus is situated just north of the city in an area with many beaches and easy access to scenic and reserve areas.