Characterizing essential mitochondrial functions that can be exploited as drug targets in Trypanosoma and Leishmania parasites
Date Posted Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Location Institute of Parasitology, recently ranked in the top tier of the Czech institutes, is dedicated to performing fundamental research on human and animal parasites at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels.
Institute Information Biology centre, Institute of Parasitology
Branisovska 31
Ceske Budejovice, 37005
Website: http://www.paru.cas.cz/en/section/molecular-parasitology/laboratory-of-functional-biology-of-protist
Job Description We have several ongoing projects in the lab that focus on the essential components of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway in the digenetic protists Trypanosoma and Leishmania, medically important human parasites. Increasing resistance to the antiquated and toxic treatments of the diseases caused by these parasites drives our quest to characterize these druggable targets and define their interactions with several classes of compounds recently shown to inhibit their functions. Using well established methodology, the post-doc will be involved in functional and structural analyses of the respiratory complexes in the infectious stage of T. brucei. Additionally, the applicant can also be involved in the development of a new genetic method to down-regulate essential proteins in Leishmania cells to reveal the functional organization of the Leishmania respiratory chain.
Qualification As demonstrated through various peer reviewed publications, the candidate should be proficient in molecular biology (cloning, electrophoresis & blotting and mutagenesis), cell biology (RNAi,cell culture, immunohistochemistry and phenotypic analysis related to mitochondrial function) and biochemistry (protein purification, native gels, affinity chromatography and enzyme kinetics). Previous experience with Trypanosoma and Leishmania cells is not required. Besides a strong scientific curiosity that fuels your motivation, we expect the candidate to be independent and enjoy leading a group of 1-2 student researchers.
How to Apply Email your CV, a letter of intent that identifies your most relevant skills or experiences and explains the reasons for your interest in our laboratory and 2 referees that can testify about your professional qualities to azikova@paru.cas.cz.
Application deadline October 31st 2012
Supervisor/ Principal Investigator RNDr. Alena Zikova, PhD.
Contact Info Alena Zikova
Contact Phone: +420387775482
Contact Email: azikova@paru.cas.cz
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