PhD Student
Phd position on the cell biology of the malaria parasite Full-time
Exit of the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum from its host red blood cell is an essential process for propagation of the infection. However, only a few parasite proteins involved have been identified so far and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Egress is linked to the release of apical secretory organelles termed exonemes (1), which contain two known regulators of egress, the subtilisin-like serine protease SUB1 and the aspartic protease plasmepsin X (PMX). SUB1 is proteolytically cleaved by PMX and released from exonemes to the PV, where it activates other proteins involved in egress (2, 3). Given the central function of both proteins and the fact that they are the only known constituents of exonemes so far, we will further characterize the exoneme proteome in this project to identify novel and essential egress factors. In close interaction with other malaria research groups, the successful candidate will receive a comprehensive training in molecular and cell biology, ranging from the generation of transgenic cell lines to the application of state-of-the-art imaging techniques including superresolution and time-lapse video microscopy.
References:
1) Yeoh S, O’Donnell RA, Koussis K, Dluzewski AR, Ansell KH, Osborne SA, Hackett F, Withers-Martinez C, Mitchell GH, Bannister LH, Bryans JS, Kettleborough CA, Blackman MJ. 2007. Subcellular Discharge of a Serine Protease Mediates Release of Invasive Malaria Parasites from Host Erythrocytes. Cell 131:1072–1083.
2) Nasamu AS, Glushakova S, Russo I, Vaupel B, Oksman A, Kim AS, Fremont DH, Tolia N, Beck JR, Meyers MJ, Niles JC, Zimmerberg J, Goldberg DE. 2017. Plasmepsins IX and X are essential and druggable mediators of malaria parasite egress and invasion. Science (80- ) 358:518–522.
3) Pino P, Caldelari R, Mukherjee B, Vahokoski J, Klages N, Maco B, Collins CR, Blackman MJ, Kursula I, Heussler V, Brochet M, Soldati-Favre D. 2017. A multistage antimalarial targets the plasmepsins IX and X essential for invasion and egress. Science (80- ) 358:522–528.
Your Profile:
- diploma/master degree or equivalent in life sciences
background in molecular and cellular biology - interest in parasitology
- excellent teamwork and communication skills
- proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- able to work independently and to develop creative work
Our benefits:
- an interesting and challenging job, which will be performed in the newly opened Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) at the DESY Campus in Bahrenfeld
- integration into an open-minded and motivated team
- a highly collaborative research team
- chance to present the project at national and international conferences
- a structured training program for PhD students (BNITM graduate school)
- 30 days holidays per year
- flexible and family-friendly working hours
- childcare allowance
- subsidy for HVV-ProfiTicket
- company pension scheme
- opportunities for further education and training
- special conditions in selected sports and fitness clubs in Hamburg
Starting date will be as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to 3 years and is remunerated with 65% E 13 TV-AVH according to the rules of the public service under the TV-AVH (collective agreement of the “Arbeitsrechtliche Vereinigung Hamburg“).
We support our employees in achieving a work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women and men. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-representation in all areas and positions in general. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equally qualified.