Postdoctoral position (2,5 years) through the NORPOD program

NORPOD is a collaborative postdoctoral program of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. The partnership is a network of four national research centers across the Nordics and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), with complementary research expertise at the forefront of molecular medicine research. With the NORPOD program, the Nordic EMBL Partnership aims to foster the next generation of researchers in molecular medicine by implementing joint postdoctoral research projects to nurture strong competences and research excellence.

Our project focuses on developing new and improved CRISPR methodologies to enable full genome screens in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. The NORPOD Fellow will be employed at the laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Sweden and hosted in the lab of Ellen Bushell. To promote collaboration between the two labs, this position will involve short or long-term stays at the lab of Emma Haapaniemi at the Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Oslo, Norway. Successful candidates are expected to travel between the labs to conduct work required for the research project, foster synergies and advance our goals. The position is full-time for two and a half years with access 1 September 2024 or by agreement.  

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. 

Application

You apply through our application portal Varbi. The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. Closing date is 31 May 2024. Further details are provided by Ellen Bushell (ellen.bushell@umu.se).

A full application should include: 

• Cover letter in which you decribe how your qualifications fit the project and why you are interested in this project.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
• Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
• Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.
•  Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.

We welcome your application!