Research Assistant Molecular Parasitology

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp aims at the advancement and spread of science that contributes to infectious disease medicine and to public health globally with focus on low- and middle income countries, inclusive of their global dimensions. ITM conducts scientific research, delivers advanced education and provides medical, scientific and societal expert services. The ITM is an open and international campus where staff, students and researchers work on new international health challenges.

The Molecular Parasitology Unit (MPU) is located in the department of Biomedical Sciences. It is a worldwide recognized laboratory working on the adaptive skills of Leishmania and related Trypanosomatids around 2 main axes: (i) the role of genome instability in (pre-)adaptation to environmental stress and (ii) the mechanisms of drug resistance and drug tolerance.

Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, a vector-borne parasitic zoonosis. The parasite infects seven million people in Latin America and seventeen million are thought to be at risk of infection. Very little is known about core aspects of Trypanosoma cruzi biology, especially in relation to the extraordinary genomic plasticity of this organism. Addressing these knowledge gaps is an essential precursor to vaccine development and will contribute to our understanding of current and future resistance to T. cruzi chemotherapy. Filling this gap is the objective of an international project funded by the Medical Research Council (UK) and coordinated by Prof Martin Llewellyn, University of Glasgow in close collaboration with partners at ITM, Ciseal (Ecuador), Pasteur (Uruguay) and Warwick.

Within this project, MPU opens a full-time pre-doctoral research assistant position to study T. cruzi genome structural variability and its role in drug resistance and drug tolerance. This work package is led by Dr Malgorzata A. Domagalska (mdomagalska@itg.be ) and Prof Jean-Claude Dujardin (jcdujardin@itg.be). The laboratory hosts all needed parasitological, molecular and bio-informatic expertise.

YOUR ROLE   

• You will expose T. cruzi epimastigotes to increasing drug pressure in vitro, regularly monitor their IC50 and characterize the dynamics of the susceptibility phenotype.

• You will periodically assess the genome variation (aneuploidy, CNVs, SNPs, indels) by bulk genome sequencing at whole cell population level to assess the role of genome instability in adaptation to drug pressure.

• You will study selected samples by single cell genomics and analyze their genomic heterogeneity (mosaicism).

• In collaboration with the University of Glasgow, you will study the evolution of the drug resistance phenotype in mutants with an attenuated capacity to generate aneuploid progeny.   

• You will perform bio-informatic analyses in collaboration with computer biologists at ITM and U.Glasgow.

• You will be exposed to an international scientific environment, with collaborators in UK, Ecuador and Uruguay.

• You will present your research at scientific conferences and write scientific manuscripts.

• You will apply for PhD fellowships with the aim to obtain a PhD degree.

• You will supervise Master students.

  PROFILE

• You have a Master degree in biological, biomedical, biochemistry or other relevant sciences.

• You have a strong interest in scientific research where wet- and dry-lab approaches are combined.

• Experience in parasitology and work in biosafety conditions is a plus. 

• You have a  good understanding of molecular biology and genetics; experience in (single cell) genomics and bio-informatics is a plus.

• You have excellent study results and good analytical skills, you are curiosity-driven, precise, accurate, organized.

• You have good communication skills and you are a team-player.

• You are fluent in academic English (speaking and writing).

WE OFFER YOU

• A full time contract as a predoctoral research assistant for 1 year, extendable] . Starting at the latest on 1/09/2024.

• A dynamic team where we all ensure a pleasant working atmosphere with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development.

• The ITM is located in the middle of the vibrant city of Antwerp and is easily accessible by public transport.

• A salary taking into account your work experience and, supplemented by several benefits, such as meal vouchers, public transportation subscription and/or bicycle fee, private pension scheme and meal vouchers.

 The Institute of Tropical Medicine is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive institute. We strive for excellence and relevance, integrity, sustainability, persistence and fairness. Your assignment contributes to our mission. We value human dignity and diversity, academic creativity and a critical spirit, solidarity and cooperation, and the well-being of employees, students, patients and clients.