PhD Position in Role of Transporters in Trypanosoma Cruzi Biology and as Drug Targets
University of Bern Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
Switzerland
PhD Student Position: Role of transporters in Trypanosoma cruzi biology and as drug targets: functional, biochemical and biophysical studies
For a jointly supervised interdisciplinary PhD project at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (https://www.ibmm.unibe.ch: Profs. Jürg Gertsch and Dimitrios Fotiadis), we are looking for a highly motivated and talented young researcher with strong interest in parasitology, biochemistry and biophysics. We aim to investigate the role of specific transporters for drug discovery in Chagas disease using established Trypanosoma cruzi cellular infection assays and state-of-the-art Crispr-Cas9 knockout technologies. Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite T. cruzi and mainly affects the indigenous population in Latin America. Currently, there are no suitable drugs to treat the chronic stage of the disease and new approaches for drug discovery are needed. Specific T. cruzi transporters will be expressed heterologously in different cell systems to establish in vitro screening assays, and to produce milligram amounts for purification and biochemical and biophysical characterization. The role of the transporters will also be studied using metabolomics. Structural studies of specific transporters will also be considered. Combining expertise in transport function, biochemistry and biophysics (https://fotiadislab.com) with T. cruzi biology, molecular analytics and drug discovery (https://www.gertschlab.com), the successful candidate with a genuine interest in basic research will enter the University of Bern GCB graduate school for a PhD degree (biochemistry, molecular biology). A solid background in molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry, as well as curiosity and a scientific mindset are prerequisites for this position. Although this call is open worldwide, candidates with strong academic education from Switzerland, EU and US are encouraged to apply.
The position is available immediately for the duration of 3-4 years.
How to apply: Please send your application, which should include a motivation letter, CV and references (letters/contact information of three references) by email to: info@ibmm.unibe.ch. Successful applicants will be invited for interview and to visit the laboratories. Applications will be accepted until the vacancy is filled.
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
