Applications will be accepted until 28 February, 20223

Prof. Paul George (Université Laval) is recruiting a master’s student to lead this work. The student is expected to have an understanding of laboratory practices in microbiology and an interest in microbial ecology/applied microbiology as well as bioinformatics. This project will involve interdisciplinary work supported by Prof. Duchaine’s (Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique) and Prof. Morissette’s (Département de médecine) labs. The student will develop skills in the assessment of microbial communities, preclinical trials, statistical analyses, and bioinformatics. This work will be undertaken at the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec – Université Laval (IUCPQ-UL) in Quebec City.

Description
Vaping has become incredibly popular over the past 20 years, but its effects on the human microbiome are poorly understood. There is growing evidence that vaping may cause changes in bacterial communities of the upper respiratory tract and that such changes may promote serious, atypical infections. Recent evidence suggests that antimicrobial effects of flavourings commonly used in vaping may cause this phenomenon. The Prof. George’s lab is beginning a project that will investigate the in vitro antimicrobial effects of flavours common in vaping on respiratory tract bacteria. The data generated in vitro will then be applied to an animal model, where the antimicrobial effects of selected flavourings will be assessed on a functional microbiome. Finally, the upper respiratory tract microbiome of vapers will be studied to understand how flavourings are impacting their bacterial communities under real-world use.

Please provide the following in a single PDF file by 28 February, 2023:

• Name and contact information of a reference who can asked for a letter of recommendation;
• letter of motivation;
• Curriculum Vitæ;
• academic transcripts (unofficial pdf)

For more information
Please contact Professor Paul George

Paul George Lab