Seeking Host Institution for MSCA Doctoral Candidate Exchange: Microbial Population Dynamics in Slaughterhouse Wastewater

Project Overview & Objectives: We are seeking a collaborative Host Institution (academic or industrial partner) to host a highly motivated predoctoral student within the framework of an MSCA mobility/training initiative. The proposed research project focuses on deciphering the microbial population dynamics in slaughterhouse wastewater, with a specific emphasis on tracking antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination, biofilm formation, and evaluating sustainable biological countermeasures. Slaughterhouse effluents represent critical environmental reservoirs for multi-drug resistant pathogens ; understanding how these populations behave under different environmental stresses is key to designing next-generation, eco-friendly water treatment and biodisinfection protocols.

What We Offer & Our Expertise: The selected PhD candidate will be backed by our research group at the University of Jaén, led by Dr. Natacha Caballero Gómez (a prestigious Ramón y Cajal Fellow). Our team brings world-class expertise in food biotechnology, microbial resistance profiling, and predictive modeling of bacterial stress responses along the meat production chain.

Our scientific and industrial credentials include:

• Scientific Excellence: Proven track record in microbial dynamics and resistome analysis, with 38 peer-reviewed papers (26 in Q1 journals).

• International Network: Extensive experience leading competitive international projects (e.g., FAPESP) and supervising early-stage researchers .

Partner Profile Sought:

We are looking for research groups, universities, or industrial partners equipped with advanced facilities in:

• High-throughput sequencing / Metagenomics (to analyze complex wastewater microbiomes).

• Advanced bioreactor systems or wastewater pilot plants.

• Advanced microscopy for biofilm structural analysis.

The ideal host will offer a stimulating, multidisciplinary environment that contributes to the researcher's professional training, while fostering long-term collaborative R&D ties and joint publications between our institutions.