Research fellow - Leishmania biology/quiescence

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 international health challenges.

The recently established unit of Experimental Parasitology led by Prof. Domagalska aims at understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms that allow Trypanosomatid parasites (Leishmania, Trypanosoma cruzi) to adapt to environmental changes during progression through their life cycle and during the exposure to drug pressure. We apply a combination of (single) cell transcriptomics and genomics, various molecular/reverse genetics techniques and experimental parasitology approaches to study the role of genome instability, quiescence, presence of endosymbionts and population heterogeneity in the parasite biology. The Unit is recruiting a postdoctoral Research Fellow to characterize molecular mechanisms that control the transition from replicative to quiescent state in Leishmania.We hope to generate knowledge to inform improved parasite diagnostics and development of new generation of antileishmanial compounds against quiescent parasites.

Assignment:

·       You will be responsible for conducting one or more lines of research within the Unit’s research programme in liaison with other team members

·       You will perform Leishmania cultures, IC50 measurements and infection assays

·       You will perform research to characterize in vitro quiescence in Leishmania and functionally validate and characterize candidate genes driving the phenomenon

·       You will conduct molecular biology, cellular biology and single cell transcriptomics analysis

·       You will write high quality publications for scientific journals

·       You will present research results at different levels and for different audiences

·       You will contribute to the scientific discussion and supervise Master and PhD students

·       You will apply for postdoc fellowships and/or contribute to writing research projects

·       You will to contribute to the organisation of the lab to improve experimental workflows and efficiency

Profile:

·       You hold a PhD in Parasitology, Molecular biology, Microbiology, Genetics or a related field

·       You have expertise in parasite/tissue culture, molecular and cell biology, reverse genetics and/or biochemistry

·       You have an interest in how host-parasite and vector-parasite interactions contribute to parasite survival and transmission

·       You have high integrity, you show a high level of enthusiasm, motivation, and are scientifically curious

·       You have good analytical skills, you are precise, accurate, and organized

·       You are interested in conducting a research where wet- and dry-lab approaches are combined.

·       You have excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills in English

·       Though not essential, you preferably have previous experience in bio-informatics, and in particular in (single) cell transcriptomics and/or genomics analysis

Offer:

The Institute of Tropical Medicine is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive institute. We strive for excellence and relevance, integrity, sustainability and persistence and fairness. Your assignment contributes to the socially relevant mission of the ITM. 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.

We offer you: 

·       A full-time position with a 1-year contract (which is potentially renewable), within a new and dynamic research unit. Starting date: as soon as possible.

·       A collegial working environment with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development and opportunities for continuous training and technical development.  

·       A workplace with state of the art facilities within the centre of the vibrant city of Antwerp, easily accessible by public transport. 

·       A salary set according to the pay scales of ITM and to your work experience, with some supplementary benefits, such as private pension scheme and meal voucher subscription.