Postdoctoral Research Position 2 years: Fertility of malaria parasites

Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

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The Department of Molecular Biology

The department provides a vibrant interfaculty research environment and there is access to a wide range of state-of-the-art imaging, metabolomics, genomics and screening facilities. You will join a research team that is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), which is internationally well-connected through the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Nordic Partnership for Molecular Medicine.

Project description and work tasks

We are an interdisciplinary team of experimentalists, analysts and modellers, who work together closely to address important questions of malaria parasite development and transmission. We are now looking for an experimental geneticist to identify parasite gene functions in fertility. You will carry out an in-depth analysis of developmental mutants. Using their unique transcriptional signatures, the aim is to discover genetic networks and mechanisms of parasite development during transmission that can be targeted by new intervention strategies.

The project forms part of a major effort funded by the European Research Council and the Wallenberg Foundation to systematically identify parasite gene functions in malaria transmission.

The position is full time for two years and is placed at the Department of Molecular Biology. The position is expected to start in May 2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will hold a PhD degree in experimental genetics. To be eligible you should have completed your PhD degree a maximum of three years before the end of the application period, unless special circumstances exist. You will be experienced in genome scale genetic approaches, including genetic modification of malaria parasites. You will have evidence of a strong relevant research output, as evidenced by first authorship on publications presenting ground-breaking new research findings or new molecular biology tools.

You must have very good ability in spoken and written English and be highly motivated. You should be able to work productively not only independently, but also in a team. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields.

Desirable qualifications

Knowledge of molecular parasitology and rodent models is an advantage as is evidence of productive work in an interdisciplinary environment. Awareness of single cell technologies would be desirable.

Application

The application should include:

A personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you can contribute to the project and in which direction you may want to develop it (no more than one A4 page).
A curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments.
Your publication list, including a brief description of your contribution to your most important papers.
Copy of PhD certificate.
Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two to three academic references.
Other relevant documentation you wish to include in support of your application.

Your application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. You apply through our recruitment system. Log into the system and apply via the button at the bottom of the webpage. The deadline for application is 16 March 2020.

We welcome your application!