Postdoctoral Position – Discovery of Plasmodium Secreted Effectors in Liver

Postdoctoral Position – Discovery of Plasmodium Secreted Effectors in Liver Stages

The Kurup Lab at the University of Georgia’s Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases (CTEGD) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher. The primary training project will focus on identifying and characterizing secreted effector proteins that Plasmodium liver-stage parasites use to manipulate host cell function during infection.

This project, performed in close collaboration with the Rosenberg Lab, will define how Plasmodium liver-stage parasites manipulate hepatocyte biology and evade cell-intrinsic immune defenses. We will investigate parasite effector proteins and the host pathways they target, with a particular focus on innate immune signaling, nutrient acquisition, organelle remodeling, and mechanisms of hepatocyte resistance to infection. The work combines CRISPR-based genetic approaches, hepatocyte infection models, biochemical and cell biological assays, advanced proteomics, animal models of malaria infection, and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or M.D. with training in molecular biology, parasitology, microbiology, cell biology, or a related field
• Experience with CRISPR-based genetic approaches
• Strong background in molecular and cell biology, with experience in one or more of the following: biochemistry, mammalian tissue culture, proteomics, or microscopy
• Experience with mouse models is preferred
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

  The postdoc will have substantial independence in developing and leading their project, with the expectation of first-author publications and strong support for fellowship and grant applications. The labs are part of UGA’s Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases (CTEGD), a highly collaborative community with exceptional depth in parasitology, host-pathogen interactions, immunology, and vector biology. CTEGD brings together researchers working on malaria, toxoplasmosis, trypanosomiasis, and other parasitic and vector-borne diseases, with access to extensive shared resources in proteomics, advanced microscopy, and animal models.

  Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing research interests and relevant experience, a CV, and contact information for three references to Dr. Sam Kurup.

  For more information about our research, visit Kurup lab.

  The position is available immediately, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.