Marine organisms living in extreme environments can produce novel bioactive compounds potentially useful for pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and biotechnological applications (doi: 10.3390/md18120657, doi: 10.3390/antibiotics7040090).The goal of this PhD project is to characterize useful and sustainable biomolecules produced by Antarctic bacterial strains newly isolated in the laboratory of the Reference person. The genomes from these strains will be sequenced and analyzed to discover metabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of molecules of interest.Therefore, the PhD candidate will work on: 1- characterization of the metabolic pathways involved in biomolecules and biomaterial synthesis in order to discover new potentiality; 2- biomolecules characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy; 3- protocols optimization for the biosynthesis and definition of potential uses; 4- possible application of these bacteria in bioremediation, in particular for hydrocarbons and heavy metals (the methods are reported in patent PCT/EP2020/082865). This PhD project implies applications of bioinformatics, biochemistry, microbiology, and biotechnology. The outputs of the research can bring to the development of new and more cost-effective bioproducts. These production of biomolecules of interest avoiding natural resources exploitation gives a contribution to ecosystems and public health preservation.

The PhD candidate must possess basics knowledge in the field of microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and biochemistry. She/he must be motivated in working in a multidisciplinary environment. The candidate must be able to carefully plan the experiments after making a deep study of the problematics to formulate scientific hypothesis. The candidate must be able to analyse the obtained data, using statistical support to verify the robustness of the obtained results and form logical conclusions leading to new hypotheses. The candidate must be able to work in a team and to be perseverant. Finally, she/he must train the communication skills.

Sandra Pucciarelli is a Senior researcher (with habilitation) in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology. She heads a research group working on the synthesis of biomaterials using bacteria. Thanks to the experiences of the IrIdES srl members, she also acts in the field of environmental/analytical chemistry, and remediation. She also relies on international collaborations: Prof Pietro Liò (University of Cambridge) that can support in bioinformatics, and prof. Ilidio Correia (Universidade da Beira Interior) that can provide his expertise in bioengineering. The research group is operating at the School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine of the University of Camerino.