Research Fellow - Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology / Parasitology / Functional Genomics / Vector Biology 

ITM’s Unit of Experimental Immunology is looking for a highly motivated individual to study Anopheles – Plasmodium molecular interactions and mosquito genomics.

Our Lab research programme focuses on the molecular interactions between the vector mosquito and the malaria parasite. The expectation of our research is to identify and characterize genes and physiological systems linked to Anopheles – Plasmodium compatibility that are implicated in the activation and mediation of anti-Plasmodium responses in the vector mosquito. Our goal is to inform novel vector-based malaria control strategies. Our Lab’s experimental approach combines malaria parasite cultures, mosquito rearing, infection and malaria transmission assays, molecular and cellular biology assays, and gene editing.

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

The Department and Institute have modern facilities and comprise scientists with a broad range of interests and expertise in vector-borne infectious diseases. Your assignment contributes to ITM’s socially relevant mission. 

Assignment

·       You will be responsible for conducting one or more lines of research within the Lab’s research programme under supervision of the PI and with liaison with team members

·       You will perform Plasmodium cultures, gametocyte production, and mosquito infection assays

·       You will perform molecular biology, immunology, and cellular biology assays

·       You will conduct omics analyses

·       You will write high quality publications for scientific journals and present at different venues

·       You will contribute to the scientific discussion within the Lab and help training and supervising students

·       You will apply for grants and postdoctoral fellowships

Profile

·       You hold a PhD in Microbiology, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field

·       You have expertise in Plasmodium tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics

·       You preferably have previous expertise in insect host-pathogen infection models and mouse models

·       You have knowledge of vector-borne diseases and immunology

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

Our offer

·       A fulltime appointment as a research fellow (postdoctoral fellow) with an initial duration of 1 year, potentially renewable upon satisfactory performance. Preferable starting date: September 1st, 2025.

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

·       An intellectually stimulating, international and socially committed environment, encouraging personal initiative and development