Postdoctoral Researcher for Malaria Epigenetics Lab

**Descripción**:
The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) is a cutting-edge institute addressing global public health challenges through research, translation into policy and education. ISGlobal has a broad portfolio in communicable and non-communicable diseases including environmental and climate determinants, and applies a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from the molecular to the population level. Research is organized in five programs: Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health; Environment and Health over the Lifecourse; Global Viral and Bacterial Infections; Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases and Maternal Child and Reproductive Health. ISGlobal is accredited with the Severo Ochoa distinction, a seal of excellence of the Spanish Science Ministry.

**Lugar**:
Barcelona, Campus Clinic-CEK

**WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR**:
The contract is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities within the project Este contrato está vinculado al proyecto PID2022-137863OB-I00 “Mecanismos de las respuestas transcripcionales a cambios en las condiciones del ambiente en el parásito de la malaria Plasmodium falciparum” financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ FEDER.

**THE TEAM**:
The ISGlobal Malaria Epigenetics lab directed by ICREA Research Professor Alfred Cortés investigates the regulation of gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We use a combination of approaches that include genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, state-of-the-art phenotypic characterisation and multi-omic approaches. Our ultimate goal is to generate high-quality basic knowledge that is relevant for the fight against malaria.

**ABOUT THE PROJECT**:
Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the most severe forms of human malaria. Transcriptional regulation plays a key role in malaria parasite biology, as it controls fundamental processes such as life cycle progression, antigenic variation and adaptation to the conditions of the environment. Some of these processes are regulated at the epigenetic level, with a key role for euchromatin-heterochromatin transitions. Of note, heterochromatin plays a prominent role in the regulation of the conversion of some asexual parasites into sexual forms that mediate transmission to mosquito vectors.

**TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS**:

- A PhD in a discipline related with molecular and cellular biology

Specific Requirements:

- Expertise in malaria research (P. falciparum cultures and manipulation, including genetic manipulation using CRISPR-Cas9)
- Expertise in the analysis of transcriptional regulation and epigenetic processes (RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, etc)

**KEY RESPONSABILITIES**:

- The main tasks will be to design and perform experiments to study transcriptional regulation in the context of P. falciparum sexual conversion, to analyse and interpret the data and to write the resulting manuscripts, in collaboration with other members of the team.

**SPECIFIC DUTIES**:

- Experiments with P. falciparum cultures (including advanced phenotypic characterisation of sexual conversion)
- Generation of transgenic parasite lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology
- Molecular and cellular biology experiments (generation of plasmids, RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, ChIP-qPCR, ChIP-seq, IFA, etc)
- Data analysis and preparation of manuscripts
- Present results in scientific conferences
- Contribute to scientific discussion and to training of new members of the team

**SKILLS**:

- Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Excellent organisation and coordination skills
- Demonstrated track record of achievements

**LANGUAGE LEVEL**:

- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential

**CONDITIONS**:

- Duration: 20 months
- Starting date: January 2025
- Contract: Full time
- Salary Range: According to ISGlobal salary scales, will depend on the level of experience and qualifications

**HOW TO APPLY**:
**Applications will be accepted until 17.00 CET of the closing date.**

In ISGlobal we are committed to maintaining and developing a work environment in which the values and principles of our organization are respected and equal opportunities between women and men be promoted in each of the areas in which we operate, not tolerating discrimination based on criteria such as age, sex, marital status, race, ethnicity, disabilities, political leanings, religion or sexual orientation.

**SELECTION PROCESS**:
The selection process is designed in two phases:
1- Interview phase of a technical nature, with the team that requires the incorporation. To assess the person's skills and CV.
2 - Meeting with HR with the finalist(s) to finish assessing the profile and discuss contractual and institutional issues.

If needed any technical test could be pass. A Psychological Competency Evaluation Test will be required for the structural or transversal