Postdoctoral Scientist - Malaria Parasite Evolutionary Genetics - no experience required

The Role:
We are searching for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to work on adaptive evolution in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. These parasites can be maintained in the laboratory, so are amenable to experimental and functional analyses. Genetic crosses can be conducted allowing linkage analysis of parasite traits, while CRISPR based gene editing and nanopore sequencing is established in our laboratory. Malaria parasites are the target of aggressive ongoing control programs in endemic areas, so are ideal organisms for studying ongoing selective events in nature. We have long-term collaborations with researchers in SE Asia, and collections of parasites spanning two decades. The successful candidate will work with existing genomic datasets, and develop new projects involving analyses of field collected parasites, experimental laboratory populations, and genetic crosses. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who would like to work on the evolutionary biology of an important human pathogen.

The successful applicant will join a vigorous infectious disease program at Texas Biomed (including work on malaria, schistosomiasis, Ebola, influenza, coronavirus, HIV, and TB). Texas Biomed provides a stimulating environment with work on population genomics, quantitative genetics, and has outstanding computational and wet lab facilities. San Antonio is a vibrant, rapidly growing city with an interactive research community, and affordable housing.

Our Ideal Candidate:
A highly motivated individual with a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related discipline. Strong bioinformatic skills ideal. Ability to conduct/supervise laboratory research is an advantage. No experience of malaria parasite research necessary.

Who We Are:
Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting-edge technologies. The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) provides broad services in primate research. We are one of seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) with specialized technologies, capabilities and primate resources, many of which are unique to the SNPRC.

What We Can Offer You:
• Competitive pay
• 7% Employer-Funded retirement contribution starting day one
• Full insurance benefits
• Holidays, PTO and a paid week off in the last week of December
• Hybrid work environment (work partially from home and on campus)

Relevant Publications:
• Phyo, A.P et al. Emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria on the western border of Thailand: A longitudinal study. Lancet 2012; 379:960-1966. PMC3525980;
• Cheeseman, I.H., et al. A major genome region underlying artemisinin resistance in malaria. Science 2012; 336:79-82. PMC3355473;
• Cheeseman IH et al. Population Structure Shapes Copy Number Variation in Malaria Parasites. Mol Biol Evol. 2016 Mar;33(3):603-20. PMCID: PMC4760083;
• Anderson TJ, et al. Population parameters underlying an ongoing soft sweep in Southeast Asian malaria parasites. Mol Biol Evol. 2017 Jan; 34(1): 131-144. PMCID: PMC5216669;
•Li X, et al. Genetic mapping of fitness determinants across the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. PLoS Genet. 2019;15(10):e1008453. PMCID: PMC6821138;
Amambua-Ngwa A, et al. Chloroquine resistance evolution in Plasmodium falciparum is mediated by the putative amino acid transporter AAT1. Nat Micro 2023; 8(7):1213-26. PMCID: PMC10322710.

Publication List: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/tim.anderson.1/bibliography/40734139/public/?sort=date&direction=descending

Lab Website: https://texasbiomedical.theopenscholar.com/anderson-lab/

Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

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