Our group is looking for a computational biologist keen to work with us on analyzing 1,300 whole-genome sequences of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), with an emphasis on NDM.

Short write-up on CREs: http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/organisms/cre/

An example of NDM recently in the press: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/world/asia/superbugs-kill-indias-babies-and-pose-an-overseas-threat.html?_r=0

Initial research output by our group on this topic so far:

1. Oral presentation at the microbiology conference ICAAC 2014 - available at: http://www.icaaconline.com/php/icaac2014abstracts/data/index.htm

Search Author Index: Khong, W. C-1879

Publication currently under peer-review.

2. Initial publications:

Huang, Tzu-Wen; Lauderdale, Tsai-Ling; Liao, Tsai-Lien; Hsu, Ming-Chia; Chang, Feng-Yee; Chang, Shan-Chwen; Khong, Wei Xin; Ng, Oon Tek; Chen, Ying-Tsong; Kuo, Shu-Chen; Chen, Te-Li; Mu, Jung-Jung; Tsai, Shih-Feng. Effective transfer of a 47-kb NDM-1 positive plasmid among Acinetobacter species. J Antimicrob Chemother (accepted for publication)

Xia E, Khong WX, Marimuthu K, Xu W, Ong RT, Tan EL, Krishnan PU, Ang BS, Lye DC, Chow AL, Teo YY, Ng OT. Draft Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase-1(NDM-1)-Producing Escherichia coli Isolate Obtained in Singapore. Genome Announc. 2013 Dec 19; 1(6).

With the initial successful pilot results, we have available approximately 1,300 CRE samples from more than 10 international sites undergoing sequencing with marked increase in need for computational biologist. Additionally, a recent grant was awarded to our group enabling funding for one full-time computational biologist for 3 years.

For those interested, do drop an email with CV to oontek@gmail.com

Dr Ng Oon Tek
Infectious Disease Physician
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Singapore