The Baumgarten Lab at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, is recruiting a
Post-Doctoral Researcher
to join our team investigating the role of the mRNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) across the human malaria parasite life cycle.
Post-transcriptional regulation is key for the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in its human host, the mosquito vector, and transmission between the two. The chemical modification of mRNAs, such as N6-methylation of adenosines, is a key transcriptome-wide mechanism to regulate these processes. Through a highly adenosine-biased transcriptome and its complex lifecycle, P. falciparum features one of the most widespread and dynamic m6A methylation programs known as yet, providing an exciting new opportunity to understand the elusive biology of this pathogen.
The overall goal of our research is to characterize the post-transcriptional processes that are mediated by this mRNA modification and how it affects parasite development, life cycle progression, and adaptation to different host and vector environments.
We are recruiting a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with a strong background in molecular and RNA biology to join us on this RNA/parasite endeavor. The project relies on multiple different RNA sequencing approaches, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, live cell imaging, and the standard molecular biology repertoire (western Blot, qPCR, cloning). Experience with next-generation sequencing, basic computational analysis, and cell culture expertise is a great advantage, but prior experience in parasitology is not required.
We greatly support the career development of post-doctoral researchers, and the candidate will get the independence and responsibility to advance the project, present their work at international conferences, prepare publications, and interact with our collaborators.
The Baumgarten Lab is a newly created group in the Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors at the Institut Pasteur, located in the heart of Paris, France. The campus provides a state-of-the-art infrastructure through its core laboratories and access to the global Pasteur research network. The lab is integrated into an international and stimulating mix of molecular biologists, biochemists, and parasitologists that provides an excellent environment for early career researchers.
The position is fully funded through an ERC research grant for an initial period of 3 years.
If you are a skilled, enthusiastic, and highly motivated researcher who wants to play a key role in this exciting quest to decipher the best-guarded secrets of the malaria parasite and the fundamentals of gene regulation, please send your CV, the names and contact information of three references, and a motivation letter by February 1st, 2021 to sebastian.baumgarten@pasteur.fr.