Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), is a non-profit research entity supported by the Tata Trusts (https://​www​.tigs​.res​.in). TIGS has been operational since 2018 as an autonomous Center at inStem (TIGS-CI), within the campus of the National Center for Biological Sciences (NCBS), in Bangalore, India. Research at TIGS is focused on harnessing new genetic technologies, such as genome editing for improvements in human health and agriculture. Specific areas of focus are vector-borne diseases, rice genetics, human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and reversal of antibiotic resistance. TIGS also partners actively with a sister institute located at the University of California, San Diego (TIGS-UCSD) for scientific exchange and capacity building.

TIGS-CI is seeking applications from outstanding candidates for the position of Senior Research Scientist (equivalent to an Assistant Professor at excellent academic institutions) to direct research in the reversal of bacterial antibiotic resistance. This includes research on the causes and mechanisms of multi-drug resistance (preferably with Pseudomonas aeruginosa), CRISPR/​Cas9 gene editing, genetic engineering of phage vectors and documented evidence of research in reversing antibiotic resistance. The position is for a 5‑year inaugural term and the incumbent is expected to work in Bangalore at TIGS-CI.

This candidate will be personally engaged in, and supervise, a small team of less than 5 individuals, in the areas of mechanisms and reversal of bacterial antibiotic resistance, will have a proven track-record evidenced by publications in CRISPR/​Cas9 editing in bacterial systems, phage genetic engineering and possess expertise in microbiology and molecular biology. Candidates may be from a basic research or clinical background. The candidate will require expertise in BSL2 work. This individual will also work closely with other genome editing and active genetics groups at TIGS to integrate new advances in this area.

TIGS offers a competitive salary and benefits package and research support for projects directly related to the TIGS mission, but all scientists are also encouraged to apply for external grants.

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D., or equivalent, with 5+ productive years (post Ph.D.) of academia/​clinical research/​industry experience in a relevant field (e.g. CRISPR/​Cas9 editing, phage genetic engineering, mechanisms of multi-drug resistance). Individuals transitioning from academia would preferably hold, or be eligible for, the rank of Assistant Professor in an internationally reputed university or research institute. 

Additional requirements include an outstanding track record of independence and leadership, peer-reviewed publications in high impact journals, excellent communication skills, as well as evidence of independent grant support, project implementation and successful mentoring of students.

Applications are encouraged from both national and international scholars. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with researchers at TIGS-CI to implement the TIGS mission in a socially-conscious and ethical manner.

For consideration of your application, please provide the following documents –

(a) a two-page statement of purpose explaining the salient aspects of your background that are relevant to the position; 

(b) your curriculum vitae with a list of peer-reviewed publications, and names and contact details for at least 3 references; 

(c) leadership qualifications; 

(d) previous grant support as the principal or co-principal investigator and 

(e) a list of students mentored. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Please send the materials, with a clear reference to the job number listed above, to the following email address: jobs@​tigs.​res.​in

Application deadline: July 31, 2020