Description

ISGlobal is seeking an enthusiastic, organized and autonomous Post-Doctoral researcher who is interested in developing a research project on molecular mechanisms involved in severe malaria that can be targeted to estimate malaria asymptomatic infections.

 

Malaria elimination programs must include tactics to target subclinical reservoirs that can sustain transmission, and adapt their surveillance and response strategy to different epidemiological scenarios. To estimate the proportion of asymptomatic parasitaemias out of all malaria infections in various phases of malaria eradication, we need a deeper understanding of the interplay between parasite factors, host immunity and malaria transmission that can shift the balance between disease states. Parasite factors have been suggested to contribute to the development of asymptomatic infection, based on differences noted between different parasite strains and isolates in their pyrogenic thresholds, maximum parasitemia and replication rates. Parasite characteristics that are shaped by host immunity, such as antigen repertoire exposed to the immune system, as well as factors involved in the virulence of malaria infection and malaria proliferation, have the potential to inform about the risk of asymptomatic malaria in a given area. In this project we aim to profile parasite factors involved in virulence, proliferation and immune evasion that could be used as a predictive biomarker of asymptomatic infection in a given community. Field isolates have been already collected from South Mozambique and depending on the results new prospective studies should be conducted in the future.  

 

 

Venue: Barcelona

 

BASIC FUNCTIONS: 

Take over and manage projects on the characterization the transcription of parasite factors involved in severe malaria and multiplication rate in field isolates from Mozambique and the identification of those with a potential role as biomarkers for asymptomatic malaria.

Apply for competitive grants.

Be involved and interact with colleagues in ISGlobal and the Manhiça Health Centrer (CISM) in Mozambique.

Coach Master and PhD students.

 

TRAINING/ EXPERIENCE: 

A relevant PhD in molecular biology, cell biology or biochemistry.

Extensive experience in handling and analysis of RNA and immunology; experience in malaria epidemiology is an asset.

Basic knowledge in bio-informatics is an asset.

Good communication skills and be able to adapt to new environments.

Excellent knowledge of English. Spanish will be an asset.

 

CONDITIONS: 

An intellectually stimulating, international and socially committed environment, with room for personal initiative.

An initial full time contract to allow for application of fellowships in national/international calls.

A salary set according to the pay scales of the CRESIB.

 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Please send a CV and a cover letter to: 

 

[email protected] 

 

. For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Alfredo Mayor, Department of Malaria Physiopathology (tel. +32 (0)3 247 63 54).

 

Only applicants under serious consideration will be contacted.

 

 

NOTE:

"In accordance with articles 5 and 6 of Law 15/1999 on personal data protection, we inform you that your personal data will be incorporated into a Human Resources file, for which the Private Foundation Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) is responsible. If you do not inform us otherwise, ISGlobal will understand that you have consented to the processing of your data. Your information will not be disclosed to individuals or legal public or private entities without your consent unless authorized by law. You can exercise your rights to access, rectify, cancel and oppose the use of your personal information by contacting ISGlobal by post at C/Rosselló, 132, 5è 2a and 7è, 08036 - Barcelona or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]