Kathmandu University School of Science Announcement for M.S. by Research Positions

Admission 31 Aug 2024 1341

Kathmandu University School of Science Announcement for M.S. by Research Positions

Title: MS by Research in Biotechnology

Location: Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel

Last date of application: 7th September, 2024

Total Number of Seats: 2

Project Description:

The Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, is seeking TWO highly motivated M.S. by Research candidates to explore novel antibiotic and biologically active metabolite-producing endophytic microbiomes of Taxus spp. to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. The candidates will be partially supported by the University Grant Commission Nepal-funded Collaborative Research and Innovation Grant (CRIG).

The research will focus on the following activities:

vii. Isolation and molecular characterization of endophytic microbiomes from leaf and bark tissues of three Taxus species (T. wallichiana, T. contorta, and T. mairei) collected from different geographical locations of Nepal.

viii. Compound isolation, structural elucidation, and antimicrobial bioassays of biologically active compounds isolated from the Taxus endophytes.

ix. Molecular docking and Structure Activity Relationship of novel bioactive compounds against multidrug-resistant bacterial targets.

x. Genome and transcriptome characterization of the medicinally potential endophytes.

xi. Elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway and isolation and functional characterization of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of the novel bioactive compounds.

xii. Optimization of bioreactor culture conditions and mass production of the targeted bioactive compounds from the endophytes.

Eligibility:

Candidates must have a four-year undergraduate or equivalent degree in Biotechnology, Botany, Microbiology, Life Sciences with first division or CGPA 3.0. The candidate should also have one year of research experience with one peer-reviewed article published in a journal recognized by UGC, Nepal.

All aspirants are requested to obtain an Application Form from the Department of Biotechnology, School of Science. The duly filled application form, along with an attested copy of relevant transcripts, mark sheets, and the bank receipt of the application fee (NRS 1500/-) has to be submitted within the due date to the Department of Biotechnology.