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2009 Molecular Parasitology Meeting: Announcements & Job Postings Online



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cdematos@mbl.edu

MPM Meeting 2005
2009 Molecular Parasitology: Announcements & Job Postings Online

Posting announcements:

Announcements may be posted by logging in to the MPM site using the e-mail address and password that were chosen when first registering for the 2009 meeting. If you would like to post an announcement on this page but did not apply to attend the meeting please e-mail us.


List of announcements (in the order posted):





Job opening posted on Fri Jun 26 11:02:12 2009 by
Anthony Sinai

Postdoc postion in Molecular and Cellular Parasitology

Postdoctoral Position in Molecular and Cellular Parasitology

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the laboratory of Anthony Sinai PhD. at the University of Kentucky . The laboratory’s interests are in the area of the Cell Biology of the Host-Pathogen interaction using Toxoplasma gondii as a model system. We are particularly interested in the modulation of host functions surrounding the apoptotic cascade and the NFkappaB pathway by the parasite. In addition following collaborative proteomic we have identified a large number of proteins in the vacuolar membrane surrounding the intracellular parasites many of which are fertile targets for investigation. Finally, in a new direction for the lab, we are beginning to investigate the relationship between host energy metabolism and parasite growth and differentiation. The approaches used in the laboratory include state of the art cell biological (fluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy, live cell imaging, flow cytometry, subcellular fractionation), biochemical (protein biology and purification, proteomics, assay development) and molecular biological (genetic screens, molecular cloning, quantitative RT-PCR, bioinformatics). The laboratory is currently supported by an RO1 grant from the NIH with additional support pending. The successful candidate should have a background in molecular and/or cell biology and an interest in microbial pathogenesis. Salary and benefits will be commiserate with experience. The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, offers a highly interactive environment with an emphasis on training. The University is located in Lexington, Kentucky and offers an excellent quality of life. The University of Kentucky is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

Please submit your curriculum vitae, a 1-2 page outline of research interests and professional goals and the names of 3 professional references. Information should be submitted electronically (as pdf files) to:
Anthony Sinai PhD.
E-mail : sinai@uky.edu.
Web site: http://www.mc.uky.edu/microbiology/sinai.asp




Job opening posted on Tue Jun 30 14:47:18 2009 by
Purnima Bhanot

Postdoc position at UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School

A post-doctoral position is available immediately in the laboratory of Purnima Bhanot, PhD in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey.

We are interested in understanding the molecular basis of Plasmodium sporozoite infection and liver-stage biology. Using the rodent parasite, P. berghei as a model system and the tools of cell biology, genomics, and molecular genetics, we study key proteins involved in this process. Applicants should possess a doctoral degree and have experience in microbial pathogenesis and cell/ molecular biology. Candidates with laboratory experience with animals are preferred. Prior experience in malaria research is a plus.

The New Jersey Medical School is located in vibrant and cosmopolitan NYC-Newark metro area. It is 15 miles from New York City with excellent public transport connections.

Interested candidates should submit their Curriculum Vitae and three references to:

Purnima Bhanot, PhD
Assistant Professor
UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
225 Warren Street, E450D
Newark, NJ 07103

Tel: 973-972-3273
Fax: 973-972-8982
E-mail: bhanotpu@umdnj.edu




Job opening posted on Fri Jul 10 09:17:39 2009 by
Timothy Stedman

Biologist - MR4 laboratory at ATCC

The American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), a biological resource center supporting global scientific research, has an immediate opening for an individual with an M.S. degree in microbiology, immunology, infectious diseases, public health or related science field (or B.S. with equivalent experience) with a minimum of 2 years’ molecular biology experience. This position will support the Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Center (MR4). An experienced biologist is needed to perform molecular assays in the malaria laboratory. Candidate must have laboratory experience in molecular techniques including nucleic acid, protein and/or immunological assays and competency in cell culture methodology. Candidates with laboratory experience in malaria or related infectious disease research strongly preferred.

Please visit our website at www.atcc.org to apply for this position ASAP. (Click on Career Opportunities, Biologist - Protistology.) ATCC offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.



Job opening posted on Mon Jul 20 13:56:50 2009 by
Jeroen Saeij

2 POSTDOC positions available at MIT, Department of Biology

Two postdoctoral positions are available immediately in the laboratory of Jeroen Saeij, PhD in the Biology Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Our lab is interested in host-pathogen interaction and we are using the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model. We have identified several Toxoplasma proteins that mediate strain differences in the modulation of host signaling pathways. We currently are looking for a Biochemist to identify the precise mechanism by which these proteins function (position 1).

We have also identified host differences in resistance to Toxoplasma. We are planning to conduct a large scale study with the aim of understanding the molecular basis of the genetic variation in host response to Toxoplasma (position 2).

The lab is currently funded by an RO1 from the NIH, the American Heart Association and The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in biochemistry or molecular biology (position 1). For the second position programming experience and experience with handling large datasets is a plus.

Please submit your Curriculum Vitae, three references, and a brief statement indicating why you are interested in working on Toxoplasma gondii and the type of research project you would like to work on to Jeroen Saeij, PhD
Email: jsaeij@mit.edu
Web site: http://mit.edu/biology/www/facultyareas/facresearch/saeij.html




Job opening posted on Wed Jul 29 13:17:15 2009 by
Marilyn Parsons

Postdoctoral Scientist in Toxoplasma cell biology

The Parsons lab at Seattle Biomedical Research Institute has an opening for a postdoctoral scientist to join the team studying protein trafficking to the Toxoplasma apicoplast. The apicoplast is a relict chloroplast found in most apicomplexan parasites, and the enzymes it contains are of high interest as drugs targets for several diseases caused by these pathogens. We are studying the sequences and machinery required to route nuclearly encoded proteins to the apicoplast, using a combinations of fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology, cell culture, and protein analysis. Candidates who have recently received their Ph.D. and have a strong background in molecular or cell biology are encouraged to apply. An interest in infectious diseases is desirable.
SBRI is a non-profit research institute that is solely focused on infectious diseases of global importance, and provides an excellent environment in which to learn more about pathogens and disease. The Parsons lab also conducts research on African trypanosomes, and other labs work on agents such as Plasmodium, Leishmania, HIV, pathogenic fungi, and mycobacteria. We provide competitive benefits for postdoctoral scientists. SBRI is affiliated with the University of Washington and is located in a modern facility just a few miles away in downtown Seattle. It has grown to more than 250 staff members, and partners with key collaborators around the globe. To find out more, visit our website at www.sbri.org. To apply visit the jobs page (drop down menu at left).
SBRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.




Job opening posted on Sun Aug 9 22:52:10 2009 by
Silvia Moreno

Post-doctoral position in molecular and biochemical parasitology

A post-doctoral position is available in the laboratory of Silvia Moreno (smoreno@cb.uga.edu) at the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, to study the role of a recently discovered plant-like vacuole (PLV) in Toxoplasma gondii. Like most apicomplexans, T. gondii possesses several plant-like features and this new organelle contains several important transporters usually found in the tonoplast (the membrane of the plant vacuole), such as a vacuolar-proton pyrophosphatase, a vacuolar-proton ATPase and a water channel (aquaporin). In addition, it also contains a cysteine protease similar to aleurain, a plant vacuole protease. Proteomic analysis of a subcellular fraction enriched in this organelle indicates that it contains several transporters and enzymes involved in the homeostasis of calcium and other ions. Preliminary results from our laboratory indicate a homeostatic role during the survival of the parasite while outside the host cell.
The project will study:
1) The role of the plant-like vacuole in the homeostasis of calcium and other ions.
2) Trafficking of proteins to and from this organelle and its relationship with the endocytic pathway
3) Biogenesis and fusion of the plant-like vacuole with other vacuoles such as acidocalcisomes.

The characterization of this novel organelle will reveal new potential targets for chemotherapy, an area of keen interest in the Moreno lab.

Our laboratory is part of the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases (CTEGD), which is located at the Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical Research. This new state-of the art facility is designed to maximize scientific interactions between members of different labs working on similar questions.

The laboratory interacts very closely with the laboratory of Dr. Roberto Docampo with several areas of research in common as ion metabolism and cell signaling of T. gondii and trypanosomatids (Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei and Leishmania spp.). Since the first description of the acidocalcisomes in T. brucei we have been studying their function, origin and interaction with other organelles. For more information on our group research interests visit our web site: http://docampo_moreno.ctegd.uga.edu/.

Applicants should have a PhD in a biological science field. Preference will be given to applicants with strong background in molecular biology and/or cell biology and with a strong interest in protozoan parasite biology and biochemistry. Experience working with Toxoplasma gondii is not necessary but is an advantage. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Silvia N.J. Moreno by email: smoreno@cb.uga.edu and submit CV and the names/emails of three references.




Job opening posted on Tue Aug 11 21:31:13 2009 by Ira Blader

Postdoctoral Position in Parasitology/Glycobiology

A newly funded NIH-funded project exploits the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum to investigate hypoxic regulation of Toxoplasma gondii, the agent for human toxoplasmosis. This position offers a unique opportunity for training at the crossroads of parasitology, hypoxic regulation, and glycobiology, using molecular, biochemical and cell biological methods. Applicants should have the Ph.D. degree in a relevant area and a serious interest in advancing the field. Funding is available for 3 years, with the possibility of extension. Interested parties should contact Ira Blader or Chris West, who will jointly mentor the trainee.

Ira J. Blader, Ph.D.,
Asst. Professor of Microbiology & Immunology
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK USA
Phone: 405-271-2133 ext. 46661
iblader@ouhsc.edu
http://w3.ouhsc.edu/mi/faculty/blader.html

Christopher M. West, Ph.D.,
Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Director of the Oklahoma Center for Medical Glycobiology
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK USA
Phone: 405-271-4147
Cwest2@ouhsc.edu
http://w3.ouhsc.edu/biochem/west.htm



Job opening posted on Tue Sep 8 11:26:49 2009 by William Witola

Postdoctoral Positions Available

The Toxoplasmosis Research Institute and Center at The University of Chicago is seeking three imaginative and highly motivated postdoctoral fellows for NIH and Foundation funded positions who are interested in focusing their research on Toxoplasma gondii as it is important in human infections and diseases.

These positions are for scientists with a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD, outstanding prior accomplishments and publications, and who are interested in working in the following areas: human host and pathogen interactions (particularly T. gondii) especially as this involves the brain and immune system; molecular biology and biochemistry forming a basis for medicine development particularly to eliminate the encysted form of the parasite; and immunology and genetics forming a basis for vaccine development and understanding protection and pathogenesis. Prior work with Toxoplasma or other apicomplexan parasites such as Plasmodia and experience in other relevant areas (including cell biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, neurosciences and neuroimaging) are considered special, additional strengths.

The overall goals of work in our laboratory and programs are to better understand, prevent and cure this human infection. Exceptional opportunities for research are available in the areas of pathogenesis involving genetics, molecular medicine, immunology, molecular parasitology, gene regulation of parasite and host, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics and systems biology, neuroscience and human diseases. There are ongoing projects in these areas. These projects are in the context of a clinical center providing medical care for those with toxoplasmosis and a study of the effects of Toxoplasma infection across the human lifetime with and without treatment. Representative publications from our research group include: Nature vol. 393, pages 801-805 (1998); PNAS vol. 100, pages 14281-14286 (2003); CID vol. 42, pages 1383-1394 (2006); PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases vol. 2, e190 (2008); PLoS One vol. 3, e2285 (2008).

Work takes place in a friendly, interactive and collaborative laboratory and clinical center which are set in a vibrant and scholarly intellectual University community. The University has strong educational and research programs in each of the broad areas listed above with outstanding students and is located in a quiet residential community within 10 minutes to central downtown Chicago. More information about the University can be found at (
http://www.uchicago.edu/). Chicago is an exciting, complex and beautiful major US city with all types of galleries, museums, theaters, music venues, and restaurants. There are many other activities, beaches, boating, and unique neighborhoods and suburbs. More information about Chicago is available at http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html

To apply, please submit the following by e-mail to Dr. Rima McLeod (rmcleod@midway.uchicago.edu): profile, 1-2 page summary of research interests, major accomplishments and future goals and 3 letters of reference with contact information.