Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 36 months

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Postdoctoral researcher to join the Maclean lab to investigate the metabolism of the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

The Opportunity:

A postdoctoral position is available in the research group of Dr Andrew Maclean (Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh). We are looking for a researcher interested in parasite biology for a wet-lab based role. Applicants should have (or be close to completing) a PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular cell biology or a related field.

The lab works on Toxoplasma gondii, a highly successful parasite of both humans and animals. Toxoplasma is highly versatile, able to infect all warm-blooded animals, and ubiquitous, with an estimated quarter of the global population chronically infected. As an intracellular parasite it has to obtain all the nutrients it needs to replicate and cause infection from the host-cell environment. The lab aims to identify new routes of nutrient acquisition with a special focus on the uptake of important sulphur-containing nutrients. Understanding unique aspects of parasite metabolism may open up new avenues for therapeutic intervention. The project will involve using molecular biology, microscopy, biochemistry and omics approaches to identify and understand factors involved in parasite nutrient acquisition.

The post-holder will be expected to work with a high degree of independence in designing, conducting, and analysing experiments, and will be encouraged to contribute their own ideas to the project direction. They will be expected to disseminate their results in papers, conference presentations, and/or other outputs, and will be supported in career development.

As part of the Maclean lab, you will also join the wider ToxoInEd community, with weekly journal clubs, monthly research talks and a wider community for ECRs across Edinburgh. Additional training and career development opportunities are available through the Scottish Parasitology Partnership in Research Innovation and Training (SPPIRIT).

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week) however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• A PhD in molecular cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry or a related discipline. 
• Experience in tissue culture and molecular biology.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and be able to interact productively with other team members.
• Ability to manage time to effectively and efficiently achieve the research programmes objectives.
• Ability to quickly learn and independently apply new techniques.

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