Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 28,000 students and 5,700 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories – your own and those of our university.

Support us as soon as possible in part-time (65 %) as a

Doctoral student (m/f/d) / Research Associate (m/f/d)

in the field of Biology of Infection/Cell Biology

The position is part of the externally funded project “Using new genetic tools to elucidate the importance of exported proteins in intra-erythrocytic survival and pathogenesis of the malaria parasite P. falciparum and is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at theChair of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for a period of 3 years.

Your tasks at a glance

Malaria parasites invade and replicate within mature human red blood cells. To ensure their own survival, the parasites rapidly and dramatically change the biochemical and biophysical properties of the host erythrocyte. These modifications are directly related to the pathology associated with malaria infection, and thus under­standing this process is key to identifying potential Achilles Heels for drug development. The changes are induced by a number of parasite-encoded proteins which are transported to the host cell. Over the past few years, we have applied bioinformatics and reverse genetics to begin to elucidate the exact role each exported protein plays in host cell modification, and have uncovered a number of novel mutant phenotypes (for details, please see Diehl at al, 2021). This project aims to generate and characterise further deletion mutants, and study the role of each gene-of-interest in various facets of host cell modification. Using state-of-the-art genetic, cell biological and biochemical techniques, our goal is to understand the principles underlying host cell modification and identify further key players in this process.

Diehl M, Roling L, Rohland L, Weber S, Cyrklaff M, et al. (2021) Co-chaperone involvement in knob biogenesis implicates host-derived chaperones in malaria virulence. PLOS Pathogens 17(10): e1009969

The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification.

Your qualifications and competences

  • Completed Masters or equivalent University degree in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biology or a related subject
  • An interest in and knowledge of cell biology
  • A strong background in cell culture, microscopy and molecular biology
  • The willingness to learn/develop and apply novel experimental tools and techniques
  • Previous experience in working with malaria parasites is an advantage, as is application of the CRISPR/­Cas9 system
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement

Our offer to you

  • A varied job with flexible working hours
  • Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
  • More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
  • Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
  • Good compatibility of family and career (certificate “audit familiengerechte hochschule”)

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact PD Dr. Jude Przyborski by phone (0641/99-39114) or by e-mail (jude.przyborski@ernaehrung.uni-giessen.de).

JLU aims to employ more women in academic research. We therefore particularly encourage female candidates to apply. JLU is regarded as a family-friendly university. Applicants with children are very welcome. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online formby August 23rd, 2022, indicating reference number 472/09. We look forward to receiving your application.

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