The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) is a cutting-edge institute addressing global public health challenges through research, translation into policy and education. ISGlobal has a broad portfolio in communicable and non-communicable diseases including environmental and climate determinants, and applies a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from the molecular to the population level. Research is organized in five programs: Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health; Environment and Health over the Lifecourse; Global Viral and Bacterial Infections; Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases and Maternal Child and Reproductive Health. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction, a seal of excellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.
LugarBarcelona, Campus Clinic-CEK
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORISGlobal is seeking to hire a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist interested in working in a research project investigating heterochromatin biology in malaria parasites.
The contract is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities within the project.
THE TEAMThe ISGlobal Malaria Epigenetics lab directed by ICREA Research Professor Alfred Cortés investigates the regulation of gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We use a combination of approaches that include genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, state-of-the-art phenotypic characterisation and multi-omic approaches. Our ultimate goal is to generate high-quality basic knowledge that is relevant for the fight against malaria.
We offer an inclusive, vibrant and intellectually-stimulating environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and a broad critical mass for malaria research. We support the professional growth of each and every member of our team through the many excellent training activities offered by ISGlobal, in-depth scientific discussions within the team and regular individual meetings with the group leader. We are seriously committed to promoting diversity and to favour work-family life balance. We love our social activities (including, among others, team building trips and ice-cream celebrations whenever we have something to celebrate). The selected candidate will be invited to participate in the ISGlobal Mentoring Program and in the activities of the ISGlobal Postdoctoral community, which include an annual symposium.
ABOUT THE PROJECTPlasmodium falciparum is responsible for the most severe forms of human malaria. Transcriptional regulation plays a key role in malaria parasite biology, as it controls fundamental processes such as life cycle progression, antigenic variation and adaptation to the conditions of the environment. Some of these processes are regulated at the epigenetic level, with a key role for euchromatin-heterochromatin transitions. In this project, we will investigate several aspects of heterochromatin dynamics and biological functions.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONSA PhD in a discipline related to molecular and cellular biologySpecific Requirements:
Expertise in malaria research (P. falciparum cultures and manipulation, including genetic manipulation using CRISPR-Cas9)Expertise in the analysis of transcriptional regulation and epigenetic processes (RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, etc), and, more specifically, expertise in heterochromatin biologyKEY RESPONSABILITIESThe main tasks will be to design and perform experiments to study heterochromatin biology in P. falciparum, to analyse and interpret the data and to write the resulting manuscripts, in collaboration with other members of the team. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the supervision of new members of the team and to participate in the scientific discussion of other projects.
SPECIFIC DUTIESExperiments with P. falciparum cultures (including advanced phenotypic characterisation of sexual conversion)Generation of transgenic parasite lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technologyMolecular and cellular biology experiments (generation of plasmids, RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, ChIP-qPCR, ChIP-seq, IFA, etc)Data analysis and preparation of manuscriptsPresent results in scientific conferencesContribute to scientific discussion and to training of new members of the teamSKILLSCapacity to work both independently and as part of a teamExcellent written and oral communication skills in EnglishExcellent organisation and coordination skillsDemonstrated track record of achievementsLANGUAGE LEVELExcellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential
CONDITIONSDuration: 12 monthsStarting date: January 2025Contract: Full timeSalary Range: According to ISGlobal salary scales, will depend on the level of experience and qualificationsHOW TO APPLYApplicants must fill in the request form and include the following code reference position: MalariaEpi_postdoc_Dec24, attach the CV and a Cover Letter. Each attached document must be named with the candidate name and surname.
The receipt of applications will be open until 23/12/2024. Applications will be accepted until 17.00 CET of the closing date. Only the applications submitted through the request form will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The interviews could be placed during the reception candidatures period.
SELECTION PROCESSThe selection process is designed in two phases:
1- Interview phase of a technical nature, with the team that requires the incorporation. To assess the person's skills and CV.
2 - Meeting with HR with the finalist(s) to finish assessing the profile and discuss contractual and institutional issues.
If needed any technical test could be passed. A Psychological Competency Evaluation Test will be required for the structural or transversal positions.
In accordance with the OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed for every vacancy at the beginning of the process. After reviewing the content of the applications, the panel will start the interviews, with at least one technical and one administrative interview. A profile questionnaire as well as a technical exercise may be required during the process.
In ISGlobal we are committed to maintaining and developing a work environment in which the values and principles of our organization are respected and equal opportunities between women and men are promoted in each of the areas in which we operate, not tolerating discrimination based on criteria such as age, gender, marital status, race, ethnicity, functional diversity, political leanings, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
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