The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is a world leader in genomic research, with an expanding scientific programme dedicated to understanding gene function in health & disease.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is dedicated to understanding the role of genetics in health and disease. The Sanger Malaria Programme uses genetic approaches to understand malaria biology and pathogenesis, in order to develop new interventions.
Julian Rayner’s team uses an array of genetic, biochemical and proteomic approaches to understand interactions between the major human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and human erythrocytes at the molecular level. We work in close collaboration with several other Sanger teams within the Malaria Programme, including those led by Gavin Wright and Oliver Billker.
This role is focused on building on the significant recent advances in understanding the origins of P. falciparum parasites from a group of closely related parasites that infect African great apes. These parasites have clearly defined host specificities, and this project will test the hypothesis that interactions between proteins on the surface of P. falciparum-related parasites and proteins on the surface of primate erythrocytes are one determinant of host specificity. Genetic, biochemical and molecular biology approaches will all be applied.
The successful applicant will have a PhD, or have submitted a PhD thesis and be awaiting award. Experience with eukaryotic cell culture in general and Plasmodium falciparum culture in particular is essential, and experience using biochemical approaches is also important. They will be able to work without constant supervision as part of a dynamic team and to develop and lead their own independent research project.
Postdoctoral Fellows are typically in their first or second postdoctoral position as part of a period of early career research training. This is up to 3 year fixed-term contract.
Essential Skills
BSc and PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or equivalent qualification
Experience with eukaryotic cell culture
Experience with Plasmodium falciparum cell culture
Experience with basic molecular biological techniques
Independence – ability to work without supervision
Adaptability – ability to work across biochemical and cell biological platforms, and move from task to task
Basic computer skills, particularly regarding record keeping
Good communication skills and ability to work productively within a group
Ideal Skills
Experience with biochemical procedures, such as protein purification and/or protein-protein interaction technologies
Other information
Successful applicant(s) who have submitted their PhD thesis and are awaiting their PhD award to be confirmed will be placed on a transitional pay point, currently £26,364. On confirmation applicants will be moved on to the pay range above.
Benefits
The Institute has excellent purpose built facilities on the Genome Campus, Hinxton on the outskirts of Cambridge. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including a final salary pension scheme and excellent on-site facilities. Further details can be found on our website jobs.sanger.ac.uk,
To submit your CV and apply for this job please go to jobs.sanger.ac.uk, to register and apply on line.]