Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: Hawkshead (nr Potters Bar, Herts)

Two initially 3-year postdoc positions in molecular parasitology are available from March 2026 in the team of Dr Ellen Knuepfer, Molecular & Cellular Parasitology Laboratory, at the Royal Veterinary College (Hawkshead Campus).

What we do: Our research focuses on how two groups of intracellular, blood-borne parasites enter and establish an intracellular niche within the host erythrocyte. We are dissecting the molecular mechanisms of how specific Plasmodium and Babesia ligands binding to their receptors on the host erythrocyte facilitate parasite entry into the host cell. We then use this knowledge to design intervention strategies such as vaccines.

About the Project: This project is a collaborative project with Prof Matt Higgin’s group at the University of Oxford. The aim of this project is to understand in molecular detail how two protein complexes essential for erythrocyte invasion of Plasmodium falciparum function. By generating and using parasite mutants, antibodies, spatial proteomics, real-time and super-resolution imaging, we will reveal essential protein domains and characteristics, will identify interacting protein partners and will visualise in real-time the consequences of protein alterations. This will result in a step-by-step functional understanding of parasite ligands in the invasion process.

Required qualifications: The applicants will hold a PhD in a relevant field (e.g. molecular parasitology, biochemistry, genetics, or cell biology) and will be highly motivated and organised. Practical experience in sterile eukaryotic cell culture, genetic manipulation of eukaryotic cells, molecular biology and protein biochemistry is essential; a practical background in Plasmodium tissue culture, including parasite synchronization, experience in generating transgenic parasite lines as well as spatial proteomics are highly desirable.

You will join a collegial team of postdocs, research fellows, PhD and undergraduate students in which you can develop your skills and discover exciting new molecular mechanisms of Plasmodium host interactions. We share and celebrate the lab’s successes and mentor staff and students to help them to achieve their career goals.

The actual starting salary offered will be based on experience level and available funding.

Closing date for applications is the 2 March 2026. Only applications submitted online before this deadline will be considered. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held shortly after the closing date.

We offer a generous reward package and benefits including:

• 30 days annual leave pro rata, plus Bank Holidays and Concessionary days, paid CPD days
• Free access to the RVC online CPD catalogue
• Impressive pension scheme.
• Free membership to the on-site fitness centre
• On site café and restaurant
• Job satisfaction from providing first-class veterinary care to our local community.
• The warm glow from helping vet students develop lifelong skills.
• A great working environment with highly qualified and friendly staff

These two full-time, fixed-term appointments are available for 3 years in the first instance. These positions are available from March 2026. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Ellen Knuepfer (eknuepfer@rvc.ac.uk).

We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role

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