Research Interests
We study mechanisms underlying mycobacterial persistence against antibiotics. We use biofilms as a growth model in our studies. Biofilms are formed by most microbes including mycobacteria, and are defined as surface-associated, 3D-organized, multicellular communities encapsulated by extracellular matrix. We hypothesize that inherent heterogeneity in microenvironments of biofilms leads to the development of a specialized subpopulation of cells adapted to extreme nutritional and hypoxic stresses, and that these elite cells develop into persisters. For example, we have observed that zinc depletion in mycobacterial biofilms induce ribosome hibernation, leading to the development of drug tolerant persister cells.
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Join us!
We currently have an opening for a postdoctoral fellow to work on mycobacterial persistence. If you are interested in a specific research area on this topic please send your resume and a description of your research interests to Anil Ojha.
Hourly Research Scientist JR-0001538
Applications due 5/6/25
The Hourly Research Scientist will assist to investigate the relationship between ribosome hibernation and antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus. This environmental species of mycobacteria is found in lung airways of people with cystic fibrosis and other underlying lung conditions like COPD and can cause life-threatening deterioration in lung function. Moreover, M. abscessus infections are treated, rather ineffectively, with antibiotics that target the ribosome. Several mechanisms induced by M. abscessus resist the effect of antibiotics, one of which is ribosome hibernation. However, how ribosome hibernation induces antibiotic resistance is not clearly understood. The goal of the project is to develop this understanding through a combination of genetics, biochemical, microscopic and next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches. The Hourly Research Scientist will apply state-of the-art tools of molecular genetics, biochemistry, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, NGS to determine how ribosome hibernation factor impacts M. abscessus resistance to various ribosome-targeting antibiotics, specifically aminoglycosides. The Research Scientist will work in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary collaborative environment at the Wadsworth Center with research programs across a broad range of expertise.
This position will be part of a dynamic team serving the Wadsworth Center’s mission in the New York State Department of Health’s efforts to protect and promote the health of New York’s citizens. Come be a part of Science in the Pursuit of Health®!
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