Postdoctoral researcher in malaria epigenetics

Contenido de trabajo

DescripciónThe Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) is a cutting-edge institute addressing global public health challenges through research, translation into policy and education. ISGlobal has a broad portfolio in communicable and non-communicable diseases including environmental and climate determinants, and applies a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from the molecular to the population level. Research is organized in three main areas, Malaria and other Infectious Diseases, Child and Maternal Health, and Urban Health, Climate & Non-Communicable Diseases. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction, a seal of excellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.LugarCEK buildingWhat Are We Looking forISGlobal is seeking a postdoctoral scientist who is interested on working in the research projects of the team focused on regulation of gene expression and sexual conversion in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum .The TeamThe ISGlobal Malaria Epigenetics lab directed by ICREA Research Professor Alfred Cortés investigates the regulation of gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We use a combination of approaches that include phenotypic characterization of parasites, molecular biology, multi-omics approaches, and genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Our ultimate goal is to generate high-quality basic knowledge that is relevant for the fight against malaria. We try to solve problems from innovative perspectives.About The ProjectPlasmodium falciparum is responsible for the most severe forms of human malaria. Transcriptional regulation plays a key role in malaria parasite biology, as it controls fundamental processes such as life cycle progression, antigenic variation and adaptation to the conditions of the environment. Some of these processes are regulated at the epigenetic level, with a key role for euchromatin-heterochromatin transitions. Of note, the conversion of some asexual parasites into sexual forms that mediate transmission to mosquito vectors involves epigenetic processes.We are recruiting a postdoctoral scientist to work in a project investigating heterochromatin formation in P. falciparum and its role in sexual conversion funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (RETOS call). The project will involve the use of multiple techniques including genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, transcriptomics (RNA-seq/microarrays), epigenomics (ChIP-seq) and basic molecular and cellular parasitology. Depending on the progress of the project, single-cell omics approaches may also be used.Field research

• Biological sciences
• Other

Training And Experience /Qualifications

• A PhD in a discipline related with molecular and cellular biology

Specific Requirements

• High level of enthusiasm and motivation; passion for science!
• Previous expertise in malaria research and in epigenetics/chromatin biology
• Bioinformatics skills
• Ability to work closely with other members of the team on a highly collaborative environment

Key ResponsibilitiesThe main tasks will be to design and perform the experiments for this project, to analyse and interpret the data, and to write the resulting manuscripts, in collaboration with other members of the team. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the supervision of junior members of the team and to participate in the scientific discussion of other projects. Good integration in the team environment is essential.Specific Duties

• Experiments with P. falciparum cultures
• Molecular and cellular biology experiments
• Data analysis and preparation of manuscripts
• Present results in scientific conferences
• Contribute to scientific discussion and training of new members of the team

Skills

• Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Excellent organization and coordination skills
• Demonstrated track record of achievements

Language level

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential

Conditions

• Duration: initially 12 months. There may be a possibility to extend the contract depending on availability of funds.
• Starting date:Between October and December 2022 (flexible)
• Contract: Full time
• Salary Range: According to ISGlobal salary scales, will depend on the level of experience and qualifications

How to applyApplicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: Postdoc_MalariaEpigenetics_Sep22, attach the CV and a Cover Letter. Each attached document must be named with the candidate name and surname.The receipt of applications will be open until the position is coveredApplications will be accepted until 17.00 CET of the closing date.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.The interviews could be placed during the reception candidatures period.In ISGlobal we are committed to maintaining and developing a work environment in which the values and principles of our organization are respected and equal opportunities between women and men be promoted in each of the areas in which we operate, not tolerating discrimination based on criteria such as age, gender, marital status, race, ethnicity, functional diversity, political leanings, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.ISGlobal supports the initiative # ScienceforUkraine . Therefore, to sustain Ukraine’s presence in the European Research Area and international scholarly community, candidates from Ukraine on all levels of scholarly career are welcome: students, PhD candidates, early career researchers and senior scholars.We confirm our commitment towards the value of the diversity of our staff and student population and seek to promote peace, equity, diversity and inclusion as essential elements in contribution to improving health worldwide.