Postdoctoral Researcher in "The Role of Exported Proteins in Malaria Infection"

Umeå Universitet · plný úvazek

Umeå universitet, Umeå, Švédsko

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality educational programs and world-leading research in several scientific fields. Here, the groundbreaking discovery of the gene scissors CRISPR-Cas9 was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close by. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, something that fosters a dynamic and open culture. The Department of Molecular Biology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a fixed-term full-time position of two years with a start date of November 1, 2026, or by agreement. Project Description and Responsibilities Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites that invade and multiply inside red blood cells. The disease arises from the destruction of red blood cells and the sequestration of infected cells in the microvasculature within the body's organs, a process called organ sequestration. To establish a replicative niche, obtain nutrients, excrete waste products, and adhere to the microvasculature, the parasite exports hundreds of proteins into the infected host cell. Genetic screens have identified which of these exported parasite proteins are important for infection during the blood stage. However, for the majority of exported proteins, it remains unknown which cellular processes they actually participate in. This project will utilize Plasmodium berghei, a malaria model parasite that infects rodents and whose genome can be manipulated efficiently, to systematically investigate the role of exported parasite proteins in malaria infection and disease. You will develop and apply scalable genetic tools and new analytical methods to identify parasite genes encoding exported proteins that are important for the parasite's invasion of host cells, replication, and organ sequestration. The most promising candidate genes will be studied further through in-depth studies in both P. berghei and the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. You will also perform experimental and bioinformatic work, design experiments, present your results, write manuscripts, assist in supervising students, and actively contribute to a collegial and inclusive laboratory culture. Qualifications To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, you must hold a doctorate degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a Swedish doctorate in biological sciences. This qualification requirement must be met by the time the employment decision is made. You should be highly motivated and able to work productively both as part of a team and independently. Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with colleagues and other staff are required. Good skills in written and spoken English are also required. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. The applicant should have experience with molecular cloning methods, such as design and construction of gene vectors and practical experience with CRISPR/Cas9. Experience with cultivation and transfection of eukaryotic parasites and experience and training in laboratory animal science (rodents) are required. Meritorious Qualifications Since employment as a postdoctoral researcher constitutes a merit-building position for junior researchers, we primarily target those who hold a doctorate degree no older than three years from the final application deadline. If there are special reasons, someone who obtained their doctorate earlier may be considered. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, positions of trust within trade unions, or other similar circumstances, or service/assignments relevant to the field of study. Experience with advanced confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence, and FACS is highly desirable. As an employee with us, you contribute to promoting an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This means that you communicate effectively across differences, demonstrate willingness to collaborate, and have the ability to work together. You maintain openness and a welcoming attitude, and you show respect, compassion, and empathy. You engage in and support colleagues from different backgrounds and with different perspectives, and you promote a healthy balance between work and personal life for both yourself and others. More About the Position The employment is a full-time fixed-term position of two years in accordance with the conditions of the agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher. You will be based in Ellen Bushell's laboratory at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University. The Bushell lab is part of The Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), which serves as the Swedish node within the Nordic European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Partnership for Molecular Medicine. More information about the group's research can be found on our website: Ellen Bushell. For more information about the Department of Molecular Biology and MIMS, please visit our websites: Department of Molecular Biology and MIMS. Application The application should be written in Swedish or English. Applications should be submitted through our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received no later than September 30, 2026. A complete application should include: A brief description of your research interests and motivation for why you are interested in this position. CV List of publications Diplomas from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees Contact information for two designated referees We welcome your application! Umeå University aims to offer an equal and equitable environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives forms the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position. To staffing and recruitment companies and to you as a sales representative: We politely but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment companies and sellers of additional job advertisements.