Postdoctoral studies in Malaria Parasite Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Division
The laboratory is located in the newly established Biomedicum building on the Karolinska Institutet campus in Stockholm. Biomedicum is an ultramodern, purpose-built facility for experimental medical research that offers an attractive research environment and provides state-of the-art instrumentation, advanced technology platforms and core facilities. It hosts the five largest biomedical research departments at Karolinska Institute and brings scientific activities of separate disciplines close together, which creates unique opportunities for collaboration and crossover research.The successful applicant will be part of a young, multidisciplinary and highly collaborative research team.
The Ribacke lab studies host-parasite interactions and in particular how the lethal malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum adapts to changes within the human host and vice versa. The research is particularly focused on understanding gene regulatory mechanisms within the parasite that mediate phenotypic plasticity, with the ultimate goal to identify new targets for pharmaceutical intervention. This work involves exploration of the role of parasite coding- and non-coding RNA and RNA binding proteins in vitro and in vivo. These are interrogated using global transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics approaches along-side experimental genetics, biochemical, molecular and cell biological methods. The group uses an integrative and collaborative approach and works closely with both national and international research groups. Collaborators of particular importance include scientists from malaria endemic countries, such as Rwanda and Uganda, since much of the work is carried out using patient samples, which is key for the clinical relevance of the research.
The research program for this position focuses on the biogenesis, processing and role of non-coding RNA in Plasmodium falciparum gene regulation. Of particular interest is the identification and elucidation of the role of RNA binding proteins during transcript processing. The roles of non-coding RNAs will be explored in parasites grown in vitro and directly isolated from malaria patients using genome- and transcriptome-wide sequencing approaches, generation of transgenic parasites using the CRISPR/Cas system along-side various molecular biology and biochemical methods.

Duties
The successful applicant will be involved in the collection and cultivation of clinical P. falciparum parasite samples and apply genome-wide approaches to study the biogenesis, processing and gene-regulatory roles of non-coding RNA within these parasites. The candidate will also generate transgenic parasites using the CRISPR/Cas system and use various molecular biology and biochemical methods for validation and for RNA-protein interaction analyses. The holder of the position is expected to take a strong lead and be involved in the design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of the project and will collaborate with other team members, both within and outside of the lab. The candidate is also expected to communicate scientific findings in meetings and by writing papers to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Entry requirements
Scholarships for carrying out postdoctoral research may be granted to persons living in other countries who come to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships from KI. Qualified to be admitted as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish PhD or higher.

A strong background in parasitology, transcriptomics, genomics, molecular biology, genetics and/or biochemistry is required. Proven experience in eukaryotic RNA biology, gene regulation, tissue culture, molecular cloning and the CRISPR/Cas system are desirable. Prior experience in bioinformatics and programming is an asset. An ideal applicant should have a strong experimental background in molecular biology, be collaborative, scientifically adventurous, curiosity-driven and should bring independent and original ideas to the project. The candidate should also be meticulous, honest, perceptive and responsive. Since the candidate will work in a strongly collaborative context, ability to work with others and excellent communication skills (both spoken and written) are required.

To make informal enquiries about the position, please contact Ulf Ribacke at ulf.ribacke@ki.se  

Type of scholarship
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent. This educational scholarship is tax-exempt.

The amount is set for twelve months at a time and is paid out on a monthly basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process

An application must contain the following documents in English:

1. A complete curriculum vitae, including date of thesis defense, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
2. A complete list of publications
3. A summary of current research (no more than one page)
4. Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labor unions or student organizations, parental leave or similar circumstances
5. A letter of motivation (no more than one page)
6. Contact information of three referees

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.