Description

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc interested in investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of P. falciparum malaria pathogenesis and immunity. The employment period is 2 years to commence on 1st of July 2022 or as per agreement.

The postdoctoral research project aims to elucidate and model how malaria parasite-infected erythrocytes attach and modulate host cells in order to avert immune recognition and attack, as well as to study mechanisms of natural acquired immunity to malaria and conduct tests of novel vaccine strategies designed to prevent malaria pathogenesis.

You will be part of the Discovery Team at Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), University of Copenhagen.

Information on the department can be found at: https: // cmp.ku.dk/

Our research Our work is focused on the molecular characterization of the host-parasite interactions mediated by the parasites' variable antigens exposed on the infected erythrocyte surface. We aim to understand the implications of these proteins' direct interaction with endothelial and immune cell receptors for malaria pathogenesis and immunity. Based on this, and studies of immunity to malaria, our aim is to design vaccines or adjunct therapies against malaria. We work closely with other teams at our research centre as well as with a broad range of national and international collaborators of different scientific disciplines. Our group is highly diverse and inclusive and relies on developing our research through teamwork.

Your job Your tasks will include development of cellular assays to resolve molecular basis and model the cytoadhesion of infected erythrocyte to endothelial and immune cells. You will be involved in developing and testing novel prototype vaccines targeting variant surface antigens (PfEMP1) associated with severe childhood malaria and pregnancy malaria. You are strongly encouraged to develop your own research ideas within the overall framework of understanding direct host-pathogen interactions in malaria. Your project will include collaboration with other teams at our centre, nationally and internationally and it is expected that you conduct supervision of laboratory technicians, MSc, and PhD students.

Profile We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

You have a PhD in Pathogenesis and Immunology of Infectious Diseases or closely related area

Strong background in studies of Plasmodium falciparum biology, malaria disease or malaria immunity

Experience in P. falciparum parasite culture, purification, and co- culture assay systems

Demonstrated scientific publication record within the field.

Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams

Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

Experience in handling different human or mouse-derived cell lines

Expertise in developing and optimizing immunological assays

You have an active interest in host-pathogen interactions in malaria

Experience on development and testing of malaria vaccines

Experience in collection and handing of human blood samples

Knowledge and interest in Crispr-Cas modification of malaria parasites

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include designated laboratories and computing infrastructures for studies of immunology, infectious diseases, and vaccinology.

Terms of employment The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 24 months with starting date on

1st July 2022 or as per agreement. Salary, pension, and terms of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,620 DKK approximately 4780 EUR (April 2022-level, excl. pension). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions For further information please contact Thomas Lavstsen; e-mail: thomasl@sund.ku.dk ; www. sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www. ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now' below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

Motivated letter of application (max. one page).

CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.

A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 22 May 2022, 23.59 p.m. CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https: // employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 23.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.