Candida strains are part of the human commensal flora with about 70% of the adult population testing positive. However, infections caused by Candida spp. (Candidiasis) also affect a vast number of patients.
Especially, immune-compromised patients or patients requiring a prolonged hospitalization suffer from infections, often leading to severe complications.
Among human associated yeast species, Candida glabrata, a close relative of bakers ́ yeast, recently gained attention due to its high resistance against antifungal drugs. We cooperate with the Vienna General Hospital (AKH) and the UK St. Pölten to physiologically and genomically characterize Candida glabrata clinical isolates.
Our focus is to understand their stress resistance and persistence potential and to correlate these properties with their performance as successful commensals.

General overview
Genome-wide exploration of selected clinical and laboratory isolates of C. glabrata using NGS
Characterization and HT quantification of stress-related phenotypes
Investigation of quantitative trait loci (QTL's) possibly associated with virulence or stress resistance
Elucidation of novel antifungal target mechanisms

Exemplary learning outcomes:
Experimental set-up of phenotypic mass screenings using automated high-throughput liquid handling
robots and subsequent data processing
Analysis and interpretation of data from Next-generation-sequencing (NGS)
Isolation and analysis of key enzymes
Molecular analysis of target genes via standard molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Microarray etc.)

Prerequisites:
strong background in molecular biology; Bachelor in biotechnology, molecular biology or related studies
Financial reimbursement possible
Place of assignment: UFT Tulln (20 min to Vienna)
Start of work: Fall 2015
Contact: christoph.schueller@boku.ac.at