Postdoctoral position

Project description

There are 250 million cases of malaria that result in the loss of 600 000 lives every year. These deaths should be preventable, but we have no really effective vaccine and existing malaria control measures are under threat from continuous development of antimalarial drug resistance. By mapping out the function of the parasite genes that are essential for parasite growth, novel drug targets can be identified. A powerful way to identify essential genes and understanding their function is to disrupt the genes and observe the effect.

In the Bushell lab we develop and apply high throughput genetic screening tools to the study of malaria parasite gene function. We have recently developed an effective and scalable CRISPR-Cas9 system in the rodent model malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. The Haapaniemi lab are experts in developing CRISPR tools with improved efficacy for therapeutic purposes. This project will bring together the expertise of the two labs to take CRISPR screens in malaria parasites to the next level by developing technologies that will enable genome-wide screens. The successful postdoctoral candidate will under the guidance of the Haapaniemi lab design and test novel Cas9 fusion proteins and alternative CRISPR nucleases and test these in P. berghei in the Bushell lab.

You will carry out experimental and bioinformatics studies, design experiments, present your findings, write manuscripts, help supervising students and actively contribute to a collegial lab culture. The successful candidate will have access to a strong network in infection biology, world-class infrastructure at a local and national level, and the chance to develop as a researcher in an international and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement,, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.

Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.

The doctorate degree of the candidate should be in biological sciences (e.g. biology, biochemistry, medicine or biomedicine). You should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required. Proficiency in written and spoken English also required. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

The successful candidate should have experience in molecular cloning methods, specifically with vector design and construction. Experience in applying CRISPR/Cas9 to genetically modify eukaryotic cells, and in particular parasites, is highly desirable. So is handling of laboratory animals. Knowledge of bioinformatics and programming is not a requirement and training is available, but it is a merit.