Research Priorities
The Framework postdoctoral program at UC Berkeley (and UCSF) focuses on the challenges of drug resistant infections— yet it is intended to bring fresh thinking to this persistent problem. We encourage research that incorporates cutting-edge research methods and tools, including microfluidics, computational genomics, high-throughput technologies for biology, meaningful mathematical modeling, and rigorous economic analysis. Specific areas of interest include:
- Chemistry & Bioengineering: On-site development and validation of molecular detection systems for drug-resistant pathogens
- Bioinformatics & Genomics: Public-domain electronic resources for study of the genetic and genomic determinants of drug-resistance;
- Mathematical Modeling & Statistics: Characterization and prediction of global and regional spread of drug-resistant infections;
- Microbiology, Immunology & Biochemistry: Research examining mechanisms of drug resistance, and identifying new drug targets to circumvent drug resistance mechanisms of M. tuberculosis and other priority pathogens;
- Public health, Clinical & Social Sciences: Characterization of the biologic, genetic, epidemiologic, clinical, social, economic, and behavioral determinants of drug resistance; and
- Economics & Public health: Characterization of the distribution of drug-resistance, the impact of human economic activities on the spread of resistant infections, and economic impacts of resistance on health.