Postdoc Researcher Vector Biology F/M

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Country: Netherlands

Type: Post-Doc

Deadline: January 13, 2025

Details: https://www.academictransfer.com/nl/347513/postdoc-researcher-vector-biology-fm/?_gl=1%2A1qrrul3%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_gs%2AMQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAjeW6BhBAEiwAdKltMvOZqBDMweDYNfaRWg4xu6hxgk36UNJ5_k13nkSh0bXCoF3M4wW1IBoCbzsQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD9T_g-F6XejoVbHokxKEcu9bIE5b

 

The One Health Entomology group of the Laboratory of Entomology at Wageningen University and Research is looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher with experience in the ecology and population dynamics of blood-feeding insects. The research interests of the group are to understand the factors that determine the presence and/or emergence of vector-borne diseases and to unravel the underlying mechanisms from molecular to ecosystem level. With this knowledge, the group ultimately aims to design novel strategies for vector control that are affordable, safe for use, and sustainable in the context of our changing environment. The team consists of ambitious scientists that employ interdisciplinary approaches, both in the lab as well as in the field. The postdoctoral position will involve the coordination of and data collection for a new European project, funded via the European Biodiversity Initiative (Biodiversa+), with partners in France, Spain and Morocco. The position is for 3 years.
About the Project
By 2050, 70% of the global population will live in urban areas, leading to increased environmental challenges such as pollution and biodiversity loss. The "greening" of cities, through green spaces and water bodies, offers a nature-based solution to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and human health, for example by reducing heat island effects, air pollution, and improving physical and mental well-being. However, they may also provide habitats for disease-transmitting vectors, such as mosquitoes and sandflies. The impact of urban greening on vector populations is expected to depend on local conditions, highlighting the need for effective surveillance and control, particularly in both public and private spaces. Wageningen University is now leading a new project that aims to explore the relationships between public and private urban green spaces on the one hand, and diversity of blood-feeding arthropods and their implications for vector-borne disease transmission to humans and animals on the other.
Your responsibilities
You will be responsible for developing and executing vector sampling protocols in collaboration with the European partner institutes. Within the Netherlands, you will be coordinating field sampling activities in diverse urban areas across the country. Your work will involve the use of molecular approaches for vector identification and for assessing biodiversity indices, e.g. via eDNA techniques. You are expected to integrate and analyze findings from different country settings and write scientific publications. In collaboration with the head of the One Health Entomology group, you will facilitate national and international meetings for partner institutes and stakeholders.

Requirements

The successful candidate is/has:

• an excellent academic record (PhD) in medical/veterinary entomology or related ecological discipline;
• experience with (field-based) research on mosquito/vector (community) ecology;
• experience with diverse molecular lab techniques
• good knowledge of statistical methods, including multivariate analyses
• excellent oral and written English communication skills;
• a good organizer and team player.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1 .

Conditions of employment

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.378,- and € 5.331,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended on good performance.
Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands

Employer

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact, Sander Koenraadt, Professor at the Laboratory of Entomology, by email: sander.koenraadt@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl

Job Opportunity as a Professor of Immunology at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

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Reference: OCT20246464

Country: England

Type: Job

Benefits: 30 Days holiday + Bank Holiday and additional Christmas closure days

Deadline: January 27, 2025 (04:59)

Details: https://app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Careers/CareersPage.aspx?e=LMo8nnTwYNZn8aiNCORwUhvRrMSbMcZzXFBQjShptYhsixEmxgCpt7-c5mpW6u8-5irqaGmqdeM&iframe=True&iframe=false

 

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is a globally recognised centre of excellence for research and teaching in tropical diseases. As a world leader in translating academic research into tangible health impacts we are proud of the work we do and the impact this has on the people who need our help most. Recently ranked in the top 5.3% of universities in the world, ranked 2nd in the UK for research impact through REF2021, and having recently celebrated our 125th anniversary, there has never been a more exciting time to join our organisation.

We are looking to appoint a world leading immunologist with a strong record of working in the human pathogen and/or tropical disease research areas, as a Professor of Immunology within our highly esteemed Tropical Disease Biology department. You will join a multidisciplinary group of experts with a shared interest in translating basic science into tangible solutions for the patients affected by global health challenges.

The successful candidate will have the autonomy to shape the research portfolio within immunology at LSTM. Some of the key areas we are keen to explore include world leading research across major human infections to address unmet global health challenges, increasing capability of relevant in-house infection models that link to refined animal disease and human challenge models, and leveraging the strength of existing LSTM research centres for the discovery of antibody-based biologics as diagnostic or therapeutic tools, to meet the needs of neglected tropical disease and/or emerging disease.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Initiate, develop, deliver, lead and publish research in immunology using innovative methodologies, which is considered internationally excellent
• Enhance the reputation, influence and profile of LSTM in immunology research as applied to low and middle-income countries
• Work with and lead academics in LSTM and MLW (Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust) in developing cutting edge capacity for immunology research, enabling the development of new knowledge and understanding of diagnosis/treatment of human pathogens/tropical diseases
• Develop a multidisciplinary research programme in human immunology, sustaining an extensive track record highly rated published research, allowing for further expansion of immunology research at LSTM
• Lead on innovative curriculum design and collaboratively approve the quality standards of LSTM teaching programmes, taking responsibility for teaching and learning applicable to own academic field
• Develop strategically important global partnerships and collaborations, generating grant income and opportunities for high prestige funding
• Articulate and deliver academic and vision and leadership, along with influencing high level internal and external collaborations to drive positive change
• Effectively lead, manage and mentor a team of senior academic and business support staff, setting standards, monitoring progress and overseeing delegated areas of responsibility

The successful candidate:

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject area
• Extensive knowledge of subject area informed by substantial current research and reputation in the field, with an understanding of global factors effecting the discipline and work of LSTM
• Outstanding record of international level peer reviewed original publications and research, specifically related to low or middle-income countries
• Strong record of successfully generating significant/high prestige external funding (grants, contracts etc.) to support research projects
• Proven record of research leadership in a HEI and experience of developing multidisciplinary research programmes
• Considerable leadership and management experience, including the effective use of resources and budgetary responsibility
• Experience of academic governance and administration
• Proven experience of effective curriculum development and making a significant contribution to teaching and learning strategy
• Enthusiastic and entrepreneurial approach to work, with the ability to inspire and motivate a range of staff and collaborators             

To see a full list of responsibilities and requirements, see the job description attached.

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 additional Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Agile working
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• Employee assistance programme to support with employee well-being
• High street discounts and cashback offers
• Government-backed cycle to work scheme
• Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies

Application process:  

To apply for the position please click on the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter. 

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM.  

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience. 

 We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers. 

About LSTM 

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases.  Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations, and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics. 

Mapping DNA Damage and Genome Replication in Malaria Parasites with Artificial Intelligence and Long-read Sequencing

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Country: UK

Type: Ph.D. Studentship

Deadline: January 03, 2025

Details: https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/48668/

 

Applications are invited for a fully-funded 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Michael Boemo starting October 2025.

Malaria parasites replicate their genomes very differently to human cells, making genome replication an attractive therapeutic target for antimalarial drugs. The purpose of this research is to develop artificial intelligence software that leverages the power of long-read DNA sequencing to determine the genomic loci of DNA damage caused by these drugs and how this damage changes the movement of replication forks throughout the genome.

The student will have the opportunity to learn, or improve upon, the development of artificial intelligence for translational research in a supportive and collaborative environment.

More information about the Boemo Group is available at:

https://www.boemogroup.org

and

https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/graduate/fully-funded-studentships

Funding* will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and University Fees. The studentship will be funded for four years from October 2025. *The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK Home fees.

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees.

All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22). Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date. Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Please quote reference PK43591 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

8th International Giardia & Cryptosporidium Conference (IGCC)

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 Country: Australia

Type: Conference

Registration Deadline: November 30, 2024

Event Date: February 23-26, 2025

Details: https://www.igcc2025.au/

 

We are delighted to announce the 8th International Giardia & Cryptosporidium Conference (IGCC)  from 23rd February to 26th February 2025 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Since 2014, the International Giardia and Cryptosporidium Conferences (IGCC) have provided an international platform for researchers and practitioners involved in the study of these parasites. IGCC has become an established barometer of the advances made in confronting and controlling Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections throughout the world and covers a breadth of disciplines including:

• Molecular and cellular biology
• Genomics and systems biology
• Taxonomy and phylogenetics
• Population genetics, diagnostics and epidemiology
• Host-parasite interactions and immunology
• Pathogenesis of disease
• New treatment development
• Improved control strategies and public health policies

Major research program themes

• Diagnostics and detection from environment to farm to clinic
• Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental transmission and control
• Infection management in humans and animals
• Advances in drug and vaccine discovery and alternative treatments
• Indigenous and Global Health
• Mechanisms of disease and host-pathogen interactions
• Virulence and Immunology
• Infection and in vitro growth models
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Advanced methods development

Equity and Diversity:

IGCC2025 is committed to broad representative and diversity amongst its delegates and conference speakers. We are committed to gender parity among our invited speakers and session chairs and to provide a welcoming and engaging conference experience to delegates across our international research community. We are also a family friendly conference and will provide a parents room for delegates during the event.

A primary focus of the conference is to provide delegates with outstanding value, an enriched program and a number of memorable experiences within and alongside the conference itself. This will include social events that provide delegates with an exceptional opportunity to engage in uniquely Australian cultural activities and world-class scientists. We will be hosting the event in the newly built Melbourne Connect conference facility within the University of Melbourne campus and on the northern edge of Melbourne’s central business district. All of this will be available at an affordable cost and, we hope to welcome all of you to Melbourne and look forward to seeing you all once again.

Virtual Symposium on Apicomplexan Parasites Research (Apicomplexa-2025)

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Mode of Conduction: Online

Type: Symposium

Registration Deadline: November 30, 2024

Event Date: January 22-23, 2025

Details: https://apicomplexaconference.com/

 

Virtual Symposium on Apicomplexan Parasites Research (Apicomplexa-2025) will be held online on January 22-23, 2025, chaired by Vern B. Carruthers, PhD, University of Michigan Medical School, MI, United States and is organized by Scirease. This symposium aims to convene distinguished experts from around the globe to explore and discuss the most recent research and advancements in the study of apicomplexan parasites.

This two-day virtual conference is designed to provide a platform for both senior researchers and emerging scientists to engage with each other, exchange ideas, and advance the field. The focus will be on significant research findings related to Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Cryptosporidium.

The virtual nature of the conference will enable participants to attend and engage in discussions from their respective locations, thereby promoting global collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. The symposium will feature presentations from eminent experts in parasitic infections, who will share their pioneering research, innovations, and insights into the latest developments in the field. Researchers, clinicians, and professionals with an interest in parasitic diseases are invited to contribute in understanding, preventing, and treating infections such as Malaria, Toxoplasmosis, and Cryptosporidiosis.

We look forward to your participation and eagerly anticipate welcoming you to Apicomplexa-2025 on January 22-23, 2025.

Seminar on Mapping One Health Initiatives in Latin America

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Mode of Conduction: Hybrid (Online and at University of Guelph, Canada)

Type: Seminar

Speaker: Natalia Cediel Becerra

Event Date and Registration: December 04, 2024

Details: https://onehealth.uoguelph.ca/one-health-seminar-series/

The One Health seminar series showcases the depth and breadth of One Health research at the University of Guelph, and beyond! These 50-minute talks feature a 30-minute presentation by a One Health practitioner, followed by an audience Q&A. Everyone is welcome, particularly graduate students and faculty.

Presentation Description: 

Mapping One Health (OH) initiatives and stakeholders in Latin America is a key first step in the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) One Health policy.

International agencies such as PAHO and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) have strengthened the capacity of many countries around the prevention of zoonoses for more than 6 decades, creating a good baseline for OH implementation. There are many existing OH initiatives already in place in Latin countries within the public and private sectors, including within non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

In July 2022, public health and agricultural defense authorities from countries in the Americas met in Brazil to develop a regional baseline regarding the use of the One Health approach in intersectoral actions, with an eye towards improving management of public health problems at the human-animal-environment interface. Myriad examples of multisectoral communication, collaboration, coordination and capacity building regarding control and prevention of zoonoses control, food safety, and AMR programs were discussed. Interestingly, most of these initiatives were not identified as One Health.  

There is already installed capacity for multisectoral cooperation mechanisms that should be strengthened to better face future health emergencies. Mapping stakeholders and initiatives lays the groundwork for OH implementation in Latin America and is a best practice for OH governance.

International Conference on Veterinary Medicine 2025

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Country and Location: NH Vienna Airport Conference Center, Vienna, Austria

Type: Conference

Theme: Veterinary Medicine Innovations, Applications, and Future Trends

Event Date: June 19-20, 2025

Early Bird Registration Deadline: November 29, 2024

Details: https://scisynopsisconferences.com/animal-science/

 

Scisynopsis warmly invites attendees from all over the world to attend the "International Conference on Veterinary Medicine" in Vienna, Austria, from June 19 to 20, 2025. Under the theme "Veterinary Medicine Innovations, Applications, and Future Trends," this event will include insightful keynote presentations, oral talks, poster presentations, and exhibitions. The congress is a venue for the most recent innovations, creative concepts, and research results in veterinary medicine and science. Early-career scientists have a great chance to interact with a diverse group of researchers and decision-makers, fostering professional development and collaboration. Participants will profit from different meetings, including fabulous addresses, feature talks, extraordinary meetings, studios, and contributed papers. We invite delegates, chiefs, co-chiefs, teachers, researchers, academic administrators, PhD understudies, and scientists to take part. The Veterinary Medication 2025 is worldwide perceived, and we genuinely want to believe that you can carve out opportunity in your bustling timetable to join in, share your bits of knowledge on a subject of your decision, and add to the progress of this occasion. We anticipate seeing you in Vienna!

Investigating the contribution of attached Leishmania parasite forms in human infections

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Country: UK

Type: Ph.D. Project

Deadline: December 13, 2024

Details: https://www.dimen.org.uk/applications

 

About the Project

Leishmania parasites are responsible for causing a collection of devastating diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. They are spread via infected female sand flies, who feed on blood to produce eggs. Inside the sand fly, Leishmania proliferate and eventually differentiate into one of two forms. The metacyclic form parasites are the motile, infectious cells that invade human macrophages and the second, haptomonad form remains less well characterized. Haptomonad form parasites attach to the sand fly stomodeal valve, maintaining infections after a bloodmeal, and causing damage to the valve, which improves regurgitation during a feed (Yanase et al. 2024, Serafim et al. 2018). Interestingly, recent data shows that haptomonad form cells may also infect macrophages and form a large part of the infectious dose (Catta-Preta et al. 2024). This implicates haptomonad form Leishmania as an important and understudied component of human infections. The cellular signalling involved in commitment to becoming a haptomonad and mechanism of attachment remains elusive. You will uncover how attached Leishmania contribute to infection by addressing the following objectives:

• Determine infectivity of haptomonad form Leishmania 

• Uncover the mechanism by which Leishmania establish an attachment 

• Explore strategies to disrupt disease transmission 

This project will entail a range of cutting-edge technologies in genetic manipulation, protein-protein interactions and cell signalling pathway deconvolution. You will expand a barcoded knockout library for the development and optimization of an attachment assay. Next generation sequencing will produce results for quantitative analysis of barcode representation.  Protein-protein interactions will be explored by expression of Leishmania extracellular domains as biotinylated proteins expressed in HEX cells. These will be clustered around streptavidin to make tetramers to probe for attachment to PSG and sand fly culture lines. Validation and characterization of outputs will involve genetic manipulation, cell staining, flow cytometry and proteomic methods.

Impact and Novelty:

This research will provide an improved understanding of the parasite life cycle, specifically disease transmission. There are no vaccines or drugs which can prevent infection. New transmission blocking strategies depend on a comprehensive knowledge of parasite-insect interaction. The primary supervisor has Leishmania mutants which can be used to produce cell cultures containing an exceptionally high proportion of this life cycle stage which is otherwise rare. These, along with proteomic and transcriptomic datasets generated using them, provide a unique tool. Two novel methods will be used for assessing attachment, a kinome-wide barcoded library (Baker et al. 2021) and a Leishmania cell surface library (Roberts et al. 2024). 

Supervision and support:

The supervisory team combines expert knowledge in molecular parasitology and host-parasite interactions through cellular signalling. The primary supervisor is the recent recipient of a career development award and will provide much of the practical training. During the project you will gain training in a variety of both lab-based skills and computer-based analysis of data. Our laboratories provide a supportive and collaborative environment in which a PhD student can expand their range and learn new techniques.

Supervisor: Nicola Baker

Second supervisor: Prof. Gavin Wright

Benefits of being in the DiMeN DTP:

This project is part of the Discovery Medicine North Doctoral Training Partnership (DiMeN DTP), a diverse community of PhD students across the North of England researching the major health problems facing the world today. Our partner institutions (Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, York and Sheffield) are internationally recognised as centres of research excellence and can offer you access to state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high impact research.

We are very proud of our student-centred ethos and committed to supporting you throughout your PhD. As part of the DTP, we offer bespoke training in key skills sought after in early career researchers, as well as opportunities to broaden your career horizons in a range of non-academic sectors.

Being funded by the MRC means you can access additional funding for research placements, training opportunities or internships in science policy, science communication and beyond.

References:

Yanase, R., Pruzinova, K., Owino, B.O. et al. Discovery of essential kinetoplastid-insect adhesion proteins and their function in Leishmania-sand fly interactions. Nat Commun 15, 6960 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51291-z

Serafim, T.D., Coutinho-Abreu, I.V., Oliveira, F. et al. Sequential blood meals promote Leishmania replication and reverse metacyclogenesis augmenting vector infectivity. Nat Microbiol 3, 548–555 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-018-0125-7

Carolina Catta-Preta, Kashinath Ghosh, David Sacks et al. Single-cell atlas of Leishmania major development in the sandfly vector reveals the heterogeneity of transmitted parasites and their role in infection, 18 March 2024, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4022188/v1

Baker, N., Catta-Preta, C.M.C., Neish, R. et al. Systematic functional analysis of Leishmania protein kinases identifies regulators of differentiation or survival. Nat Commun 12, 1244 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21360-8

Roberts AJ, Ong HB, Clare S, Brandt C, Harcourt K, Takele Y, Ghosh P, Toepp A, Waugh M, Matano D, Färnert A, Adams E, Moreno J, Mbuchi M, Petersen C, Mondal D, Kropf P, Wright GJ. A panel of recombinant Leishmania donovani cell surface and secreted proteins identifies LdBPK_323600.1 as a serological marker of symptomatic infection. mBio 15:e00859-24 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00859-24

Funding Notes

Studentships are fully funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) for 4yrs. Funding will cover tuition fees, stipend (£19,237 for 2024/25) and project costs. We also aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a limited number of full studentships to international applicants.

Studentships commence: 15 Sep 2025

Good luck!

Investigating the Role and Regulation of Biomolecular Condensate Enabling Trypanosome Parasites Host Adaptation

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 Country: UK

Type: Ph.D. Project

Deadline: December 13, 2024

Details: https://www.dimen.org.uk/applications

 

About the Project

Applications are invited to a PhD project investigating RNA:protein (mRNP) condensates formed during pathogen differentiation and host adaptation. 

Working environment

Our team provides a collaborative environment in which the PhD student can thrive with individual support, expand their intellectual range and learn new techniques with the Technology Facility at their disposal. The PhD student will join a team of researchers in the York Biomedical Research Institute investigating cellular processes in parasites that cause African trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis. York is internationally renowned  for Parasitology research, and is ranked in the Top 10 for both Research and Teaching. The first to attain (and retain) an Athena Swan Gold award in the UK, our Department provides a positive environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish and excel.

Supervisor: Dr. Mathieu Cayla

Second supervisor: Dr. Pegine Walrad

Project 

Kinetoplastid parasites transition between insect and mammalian hosts, requiring quick adaptation through post-transcriptional gene regulation without extensive transcriptional control1. We recently demonstrated that quorum sensing of T. brucei in the mammalian bloodstream generates a specific and programmed hierarchy of biomolecular condensate assembly. These condensates have distinct components, including kinase regulators that contribute to downstream signalling of key pathways essential for life cycle progression2. 

The Aim of this project is to understand molecular regulation of parasite condensates by:

• Revealing the protein signature and architecture of biomolecular condensates.
• Investigating protein modifications regulating formation and stability of condensates.
• Identifying mRNAs critical to condensate formation.

Key responsibilities

The student will use super-resolution microscopy and cryoEM to visualise and quantify the extent and diversity of biomolecular condensate during the trypanosomes life cycle. Furthermore, the student will purify the different types of condensates using our established complementary approaches of UV crosslinking, protein tagging and proximity labelling. The student will identify modifications of proteins associated with these condensates via Mass Spectroscopy. They will use a kinome-wide RNAi library and perform single point mutations using CRISPr to investigate condensate regulatory mechanisms  during the parasite lifecycle. They will identify the mRNA and modifications associated with granules using next generation and nanopore direct sequencing. Finally, the student will use genetic and chemical tools to destabilise the condensate and examine the impact on parasite development.

Impact

The PhD student will be trained in the quantitative, computational and statistical analyses of -omics data. They will acquire critical transferable skills and professional resilience necessary for the success of this project and their future career. 

This research will reveal the unknown diversity, architecture and regulation of biomolecular condensates in an exceptional tractable model of medical importance. Understanding mRNP regulation will provide critical knowledge of how parasitic diseases persist. This will inform us on how such condensates enable parasites survival, transmission and disease progression. 

Benefits of being in the DiMeN DTP:

This project is part of the Discovery Medicine North Doctoral Training Partnership (DiMeN DTP), a diverse community of PhD students across the North of England researching the major health problems facing the world today. Our partner institutions (Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, York and Sheffield) are internationally recognised as centres of research excellence and can offer you access to state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high impact research.

We are very proud of our student-centred ethos and committed to supporting you throughout your PhD. As part of the DTP, we offer bespoke training in key skills sought after in early career researchers, as well as opportunities to broaden your career horizons in a range of non-academic sectors.

Being funded by the MRC means you can access additional funding for research placements, training opportunities or internships in science policy, science communication and beyond. 

The Sanger Prize Competition 2025, An Internship Opportunity

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 Country: UK

Type: Prize Competition with Internship

Deadline: January 10, 2025

Details: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/the-sanger-prize-competition-2025/

 

The winner of the Sanger Institute Prize will be offered a three-month internship with a research group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Travel, living and research expenses are all covered by the award.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Sanger Prize applicants must meet all of the criteria below:

• Be from a low or middle income country – a full list of eligible countries is available from https://wellcome.org/grant-funding/guidance/prepare-to-apply/low-and-middle-income-countries
• Be studying an undergraduate degree that includes a genomics element or course at a University/Institute in a low or middle income country at the time of the first stage application. This could include (but is not limited too) any biological science degree, bioinformatics, medicine or veterinary science. (please note that if you have completed your course but are awaiting graduation then you are eligible to apply).
• Demonstrate an active interest in research in the genomics field (this can be through your undergraduate course and through extracurricular activities such as seminar attendance and reading materials).
• Have a good command of English (demonstrated by the clear writing within the application form, no certificate of English is required).
• Be over 18 at the time of applying.
• Two academic references must also have been submitted by the deadline (further details are available below).

Applicants who do not meet all of the above criteria will not be considered for the second stage of the competition and no exceptions will be made.

Application process

The application form for the 2025 competition is now open.

Please ensure you read all the information given below before clicking on the link and completing the form. 

Stage 1a - Application Form 

Dates for Submission:

Applications for the Sanger Prize Competition 2025 will open in mid November.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 10th January 2025 (this is UK time so please check the time difference in your own country and submit in plenty of time) The application form must be completed and submitted by this date, there are no exceptions and no late applications will be accepted.

The Sanger Institute is not responsible for applications which are not received in time due to last minute technical issues. There will be no email support available on the 10th January 2025 and so you are advised to submit your application well before this date in case of any problems.

Completing the form:

Please read the following before accessing the application form, please note that all application forms must be completed in English.

The application form is in four parts:

• personal details
• expression of interest
• referees details
• your curriculum vitae (CV)

You must complete each part before moving on to the next part, mandatory sections are marked and you wont be allowed to proceed to the next part of the form until you have completed these sections.

The Expression of Interest:

The expression of interest (EoI) should include the following:

• Information about your scientific interests (this should not be a copy of what is in the CV)
• A demonstration of their interest and knowledge in genomics
• Details of why you want to come to the Sanger Institute

The maximum word count for the EoI is 500 words and you should write close to this amount in order to fully demonstrate your interest and suitability in the prize. Any EoI with less than 400 words or more than 500 words will not be reviewed. The application form does not count the words for you and so it is important that you do not go over 500 words as the EoI will cut of in the middle of a sentence.

You are advised to type your EoI in a word document to ensure that it is an appropriate number of words and then copy and paste it into the application form.

Your CV:

Your CV should be no longer than two pages long and detail genomics related courses and work experience as well as university education. PDF format is preferred but word would be accepted.

The details of two academic referees are also required at this stage within the application form (further details about the referees is available below).

After you have completed the form as detailed above, and added your CV a page confirming all the details you have inputted will appear. Please check this page carefully as this is your last chance to go back and make any changes before submitting the form.

Submitting the form:

Once you have checked all the details click the button next to the data protection statement, this will turn the confirm button green and allow you to submit the form. You will then receive an email from the Sanger Prize confirming your submission.

The Sanger Prize Administrator is unable to release a form back to the applicant for amendment once it has been submitted so it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the details are correct before they submit. If you need to make any changes to the form after submission you will need to complete it again. 

You are advised to save a copy of your final Expression of Interest in a word  document, along with the other details you have inputted into the form in case of problems with submission or a need to resubmit the form for any reason.

The Outcome:

Successful applicants will be informed of the results of this stage during March 2025 and be invited to take part in the second stage of the competition.

If you have not received an email by end of March 2025 please assume that your application has been unsuccessful this time.

Due to the high number of applications received we do not contact unsuccessful applicants to inform them of the decision.

Stage 1b - Academic References

Academic references should be from the University or Institute where you are currently studying and at least one of them should include the university tutor or supervisor from your genomics course. Contact details for the referees will be required when completing the form and the referees will then be emailed directly with a form for them to complete which will then be emailed directly to the Sanger Prize Committee.

Applications will not be valid without two complete references so you should choose referees who are available to supply a reference and check with them before submission that they are happy to write the reference for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the reference is submitted on time.

The referees will be sent an email request directly the same day that the application form is submitted and it is your responsibility to ensure that they have received the email. If the email has not been received then please ask the referee to check their junk mail inbox. If they still can’t find it then the referee should email sangerprize@sanger.ac.uk directly to receive a form to complete.

The deadline by which the referee must submit the reference is Friday 17th January 2025 at 5pm UK time. There will be no support available from the Sanger Prize Administrator on the 17th of January and so it is recommended that the references are submitted well before this date. 

Only applications which have two references submitted by the deadline will be accepted and reviewed.

Stage 2 - Essay

A number of shortlisted candidates will then be asked to take part in stage two of the process, which is to write an essay with a given title. Details of this stage will be emailed to the successful candidates during March 2025 and they will be given approximately one month to complete the essay.

The judges’ decision will be communicated by the end of May 2025 (this date may be subject to change), the decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.

Stage two participants who have not won will be informed by email and offered a Certificate of Participation. No further feedback on applications will be available.

Information about the internship

All essential expenses will be paid for by the prize fund including travel costs, visa costs, accommodation and reasonable food costs during the three-month internship.

The Sanger Institute will fully support the winner with visa applications, booking travel and finding accommodation for their stay. They will be allocated a mentor within the lab they are working in and will be supported during their work and given opportunities to network with other staff during the internship.

The winner will be able to choose the lab and faculty host they work with, subject to the availability of the host. A list of faculty hosts is available on the Sanger website (https://www.sanger.ac.uk/people/faculty/).

The winner will be able to choose the timing of their internship which should be taken within a year of being awarded (travel restrictions due to Covid -19 or other unexpected events will be taken into consideration and exceptions made).

Queries

If you have any queries which are not answered within the information supplied on this page please contact: sangerprize@sanger.ac.uk

We will endeavour to give a response to email queries within five working days (between 5pm on the 19th December 2024 and 8am on the 2nd January 2025 there will be no one available to answer queries, please send any queries after the 2nd January and they will be answered as soon as possible.)

Help with CV’s and Expressions of Interests cannot be given by the Sanger Prize Committee, please seek this help from your University tutors or mentors.

Only applications submitted via the form linked above will be accepted. Please do not email CVs and reference letters directly to the Sanger Prize Committee unless you have been requested to do so by the Sanger Prize Administrator as they will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a query about the application process or the Sanger Prize in general, please check to see if it has been answered below.

My referees haven’t received the email request, what should I do?

Please ask them to check their junk or spam email accounts and if they still cant find the email then they should contact the Sanger Prize administrator directly at sangerprize@sanger.ac.uk for a form to complete. This form wont be sent to the applicant, only the referee.

I have made an error on my application form, can I amend it?

No, the form cannot be amended once you have submitted it, you can either email the Sanger Prize administrator to inform them of the error, or submit another form with the correct information on it.

I submitted my application, received a confirmation email and have not heard anything else from the Sanger Prize Committee, have i been selected?

If it is between January and March 2025 you may still be contacted to write an essay, if it is after the end of March 2025 then unfortunately you have not been selected as all second stage entrants will have been contacted by this time. We do not send emails to the first stage applicants who have not been selected due to the high number of applications.

What can I do to maximise my chances of being selected this year?

Before entering the competition, you must ensure that you meet all of the criteria listed above. Then please ensure that you read all of the information supplied very carefully and submit your application well in advance of the closing date to allow for any technical issues which may occur and to allow your referees time to submit their references.

Please allow plenty of time to write the expression of interest which is very important. There is guidance for writing it which is supplied above and you should read this carefully.

I am interested in applying but I am not sure my degree course is relevant, can I still apply?

This would depend on the course and whether you have studied genomics as part of it. The Sanger Institute is a genomics Institute and the winner will be working in a genomics lab so they will be expected to have studied genomics at an undergraduate level and be able to carry out some research, with supervision.

Can I apply as a postgraduate?

No, the application criteria is very strictly undergraduates only and no exceptions to that rule are made.  If you are a graduate and are looking for an opportunity to  study at the Sanger Institute, please visit the ‘Study at Sanger’ pages of this website: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/study/