Project assistant, 6 months, at The Department of Molecular Biology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Molecular Biology is looking for a project assistant for the project "Large scale functional analysis of essential P. Berghei genes". The position is temporary for 6 months on full time with expected start 1 April 2020 or as agreed. Last day to apply is 21 February 2020.

Project description and work tasks

The malaria parasite causes disease by invading and replicating within red blood cells (erythrocytes). In our lab we develop and apply high throughput genetic screening tools to the study of malaria parasite gene function. Using a method we call barcode sequencing (barseq) we have previously mapped out which of the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei genes that are essential for the parasite to grow in the blood stream of infected mice.  These essential genes form potential new targets for anti-malarial drugs and vaccines. However, the molecular function of most of these are unknown and many lack any functional domains to guide studies. Understanding their function at scale will require development of new genetic tools and innovative functional assays.

This is a pilot study (6 months) with the aim of investigating the potential of the project to be appropriate for a grant application, PhD- or post-doc project.

The project assistant will under supervision of the group leader:

• 1). Develop new functional assays aiming to characterise the different stages of P. berghei intraerythrocytic development.

• 2) Investigate suitability of new functional assays to scaling using barseq.

The selected candidate will under supervision of the group leader use GIBSON assembly, Gateway technology, parasite transfection, FACS, cell sorting and microscopy, and document and present the findings.

For questions about the employment, please contact Ellen Bushell, e-mail: ellen.bushell@umu.se

Qualifications

You must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree in molecular biology (or equivalent fields) at the time of the recruitment (240 ECTS). You should have documented experience in molecular biology including DNA handling and manipulation as well as previous experience in working with and transfecting malaria parasites. You should have a very good ability to communicate and write in English. You should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required.

Application

You apply through our recruitment system. Last day to apply is 21 February 2020. Your application must contain the following documents written in English or Swedish:

• A CV with information on education, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications.

• A cover letter describing your research experience and interests and motivation for applying for the position

• Contact details of one to three references.

We welcome your application!

More about us

The Bushell lab is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), an interdisciplinary research center devoted to top quality research and novel applications in the field of microbiology. You can find more information about us at www.mims.umu.se/groups/ellen-bushell; www.ucmr.umu.se and www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/.