Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent in the world, and a major contributor to child mortality. Our group has launched a multicentric study aiming to assess the diagnostic potential of novel -omics techniques (metagenomic, metaproteomic, metabolomic) to overcome the current limitations for pediatric TB diagnosis. The project aims to address the whole potential of blood, urine, stool and respiratory samples for identification of new diagnostic biomarkers in children. The study is integrated into the Spanish Network for the Study of Pediatric TB (pTBred). The goals are to establish their ability to discriminate active and latent TB, and their usefulness for monitoring treatment response. We will study:
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the diagnostic potential of urine metabolomic profile,
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TB-specific biomarkers in blood,
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novel microbiological techniques for bacterial identification on stools, and investigate the role of microbiome-related biomarkers in stool and sputum,
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the role of the gut microbiome on treatment response, via immune homeostasis and/or drug metabolisation.
IdiPAZ’s group on Paediatric Systemic Infections has been working in tuberculosis in children for several years with pTBred since its creation and with the European Network for child TB.
Job position description
The candidate will join a multicenter study, funded by AES 2020 and starting in January 2021. His/her main activity will take place within the Group’s Laboratory at IdiPAZ and the biorepository of samples located at HGUGM, in Madrid. His/her specific research will be aimed at obtaining and validating new diagnostic tools for TB in children, using blood, urina, faecal and/or respiratory samples. Specifically, he/she will be involved in testing:
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Gen Xpert in faecal samples for diagnosis of TB in children
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Metabolomic analyses in different stages of infection and disease might enable to identify metabolites affected by host-pathogen interactions, and potential diagnostic markers for progression or remission.
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Immunoassays to detect the presence of MTB cell wall components in urine for the diagnosis of infected children.
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Microbiome-related biomarkers for diagnosis of TB in sputum and/or stool samples.
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The role of the microbiome in drug metabolization in the context of TB infection.
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Interaction between the microbiota and the human immune system in the context of TB infection.
The candidate will collaborate with colleagues, to set up experiments and study techniques. To analyse and interpret results. To join the team for meetings, seminars, workshops, etc. and to contribute to results dissemination in national/international meetings and conferences.
Skills:
MSc degree in Life Sciences who are interested in infectious diseases and children
Motivation, critical thinking and problem-solving oriented skills.
Good interpersonal skills, including team working.
Good communication skills, willingness to engage in public presentations and ability to transmit complex concepts in a clear way.
Good time and workload management skills, including both initiative and flexibility.
To apply email Dr Talía Sainz Costa: tsainzcosta@gmail.com
