Bacterial Persisters and the Evolution
of Drug Resistance
Genetically encoded
antibiotic resistance is not the only strategy bacteria can employ in
response to antibiotics. In some cases bacteria enter the “persister”
state, in which they neither undergo cell division nor are killed by
antibiotics. If the antibiotic is subsequently removed, these cells can
repopulate their environment. This persister phenomenon may have
important implications for drug deployment as well as for the evolution of
genetically encoded antibiotic resistance. I seek an individual to work
in my lab working with persister bacteria. This work will involve
preparation of microbial liquid media and bacterial growth and
characterization in vitro. Additional opportunities may include
selection and characterization of novel drug-resistant mutations. The
ideal candidate will have an enthusiastic interest in experimental biology
and some lab experience (course-based or other) in chemistry, molecular
biology or microbiology.
