Genomic tools for quantifying antibiotic resistance genes in black soldier fly breeding products

Description

We are seeking a motivated student to join our team for a project focused on developing genomic tools for quantifying antibiotic resistance, through the bioinformatics-based detection and characterization of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within bacterial communities associated with black soldier flies and their breeding substrates. The objective of this project is to assess whether the inclusion of residual antibiotic medicated feed in larval diets contributes to the risk of bacterial antibiotic resistance.

Responsibilities:
- Conduct a literature review on the bio-informatic tools and approaches to ARGs identification and characterisation.
- Analyze Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing data of the bacterial metagenome from black soldier fly larvae and breeding substrates to characterize ARGs.
- Identify marker ARGs for tracking antibiotic resistance to antibiotics used in feed.
- Develop specific primers for marker ARGs for quantitative PCR.
- Collaborate in performing q-PCR of ARGs and analyzing data.
- Work with team members to optimize processes and achieve project goals.
- Present research findings at conferences and seminars.

Research Field

- Bioinformatics
- Environmental Sciences
- Animal Sciences
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Entomology

Research Supervisor

Antony Vincent

Research Environment

Animal Science Department

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Master's Degree in Animal Science with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$22000 per year for 2 years.

*This offert is conditional to the approval of a MITACS acceleration subvention by the research director.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Submission of research proposal AND project outline	$500
First submission of thesis	$1,000
Total	$1,500

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Microbiology
- Environment and Sustainable Development

Requirements and Conditions

Requirements:
- Recent graduate of a relevant B.Sc. program (e.g., bioinformatics, environmental sciences, biology, entomology, microbiology).
- Experience with bioinformatics and R programming.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team.
- Capability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Interest in sustainable agriculture and waste management practices.
- Bilingual in French and English (proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking in English).

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR).
- Strong understanding of antibiotic resistance, resistance genes, and bacterial genetics.
- Experience in writing and presenting scientific documents.

Required Documentation

- Lettre de recommandation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Program Start: January 2025

Find Out More

Antony Vincent
Professeur adjoint
Département des sciences animales
Antony.vincent@fsaa.ulaval.ca