Postdoctoral Researcher - UOD2084

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee is a world-class academic institution with a reputation for the excellence of its research, its high quality teaching and student experience, and the strong impact of its activities outside academia. With 900 staff from over 40 countries worldwide the School provides a dynamic, multi-national, collegiate and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology and teaching facilities.

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as a Postdoctoral Researcher within the Mattie Christine Pawlowic Lab, to support our research funded by a new Wellcome Trust Career Development Award. This is a fixed-term appointment for up to 4 years.

The Pawlowic lab studies Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite that causes diarrheal disease, and for which there is no vaccine and no effective treatments. In this new project, we are investigating the transmission biology of this important parasite. Specifically, we are studying how the parasite “hatches” from its microscopic shell called the oocyst. The oocyst is incredibly robust, protecting the parasite from chemical disinfection including chlorination. Understanding how the parasite emerges from its protective shell is key to understanding how the parasite is transmitted from one host to another. The oocyst is also key to chronic infection.

In this position, you will use molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetic techniques to investigate parasite biology. You will express recombinant Cryptosporidium proteins and design assays to characterise their biochemical activity. You will perform genome editing of Cryptosporidium using CRISPR/Cas9 and determine the function of different genes in the parasite life cycle. You will uncover new biology for the important parasite. You will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful collaborations.

Please note that applications made on a part-time basis for this role will not be considered.

Your priorities will include:

• Leading the biochemistry arm of our new research area
• Designing and performing gene editing of Cryptosporidium using CRISPR
• Performing high resolution microscopy approaches
• Working with Cryptosporidium parasites
• Recombinant expression of Cryptosporidium proteins
• Designing and conducting enzymatic assays

Who we’re looking for:

• Excellent communication skills and desire to work as a member of a dynamic team
• PhD in Biochemistry, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, or related field
• Experience working with apicomplexan parasites, especially with CRISPR
• Personal licence or experience with animal handling and experimentation
• Experience with protein expression and designing biochemical assays
• Experience working with eukaryotic parasites at Cat 2

The Pawlowic lab values are honesty, collaboration, trustworthiness, dedication, and enthusiasm. We are dedicated to creating a positive research culture and providing individualised mentoring and support for career development. The University also provides support for research culture and skills and career development. The lab is located in a department that benefits from close interactions with other parasitology groups. We collaborate with the Drug Discovery Unit, the Mode of Action group led by Prof Susan Wyllie, and parasitologists at Moredun Research Institute. Scotland benefits from a country-wide academic network for parasitology researchers, the Scottish Parasitology Partnership in Research, Innovation and Training or SPPIRIT (https://sppirit.net).

For further information about this position please contact Dr. Mattie Christine Pawlowic at mcpawlowic@dundee.ac.uk. To find out more about the Pawlowic lab please visit the pawlowiclab.org.

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