Master's thesis: The effect of skin care products on the development and selection of antibiotic resistance in skin microbial communities

Background
The human skin is colonized with millions of bacteria, fungi and viruses creating the skin microbiota, which can serve as an additional barrier against pathogens. This essential barrier can be disturbed through environmental influences, such as the use of skin care products containing different chemicals, antimicrobials or biocides. The shift in the microbiota could on the one hand lead to the imbalance of the microbiota and on the other hand also impact the development and selection of antimicrobial resistance. 

Project
In this project we will use a skin model community consisting of at least six commensal bacterial strains that will be exposed to biocides that are commonly used skin care products. We will follow shifts in the bacterial community applying in vitro testing and ex vivo skin models. Additionally, we will study the effect on the development and selection of antibiotic resistance due to biocide exposure. The proposed Master Thesis project will include experimental work including traditional microbiological methods, DNA extraction, qPCR and the analysis of sequencing data.

Student profile
Students with a background in microbiology/molecular biology and laboratory experience are welcome to apply.

Terms

• Scope: 30 or 60 hp
• Where: The lab work will be conducted at RISE in Gothenburg (Frans Perssons väg 6).
• Master Thesis start date: At the latest September 2024

Welcome with your application!
Candidates are encouraged to send in their application as soon as possible, but at the latest by 2024-05-19. Suitable applicants will be interviewed as applications are received.

Contact
If this project sounds interesting to you and you would like to obtain more information, you are welcome to contact Nadine Kraupner, nadine.kraupner@ri.se.