PhD Student (m/f/d) Cellular Parasitology

The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (www.bnitm.de) stands as Germany’s premier Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and is recognized as the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, a WHO Collaborating Centre, and a member of the Leibniz Research Association.

The team led by Dr. Joachim Michael Matz at the Department of Cellular Parasitology within the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg is currently seeking a highly motivated:
PhD Student (m/f/d)

-65% EG 13 TV-AVH-

to delve into the study of:

Hemozoin Formation and Digestive Vacuole Physiology in Human Malaria Parasites.

Project Description:

Malaria, a mosquito-borne ailment, poses a threat to half of the world’s population. It is caused by Plasmodium parasites, unicellular organisms that cyclically invade and rupture red blood cells within the human bloodstream. These parasites consume around 80% of the host cell’s cytoplasm throughout their development within the erythrocyte. The ingested cytoplasm is catabolized within an acidic digestive vacuole. Heme, a co-factor released through hemoglobin proteolysis, is highly toxic when unbound. To avert cellular harm, the parasite secludes host-derived heme into bioinert crystals known as hemozoin, accumulating within the digestive vacuole. The transition from hemoglobin to hemozoin is vital for parasite survival and is utilized in antimalarial treatment. Our team’s focus encompasses the physiology, molecular machinery, and essential parasite adaptations for blood stage survival.

The PhD project centers on identifying and characterizing proteins and physicochemical factors that foster hemozoin formation in the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. Through close collaboration with other malaria research groups, the successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in molecular and cell biology, encompassing the generation of transgenic cell lines (Cas9, DiCre, etc.), as well as the utilization of advanced imaging techniques like live fluorescence microscopy, time-lapse microscopy, polarization microscopy, and electron microscopy.

Your Profile:

• Diploma/master’s degree or equivalent in life sciences.
• Background in molecular and cellular biology.
• Interest in parasitology.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).
• Capability to work independently and devise innovative approaches.

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Our Offer:

• An engaging and challenging research project.
• Comprehensive training in cutting-edge genetic and microscopic techniques.
• Integration into an open-minded, collaborative, and highly motivated research team.
• A structured PhD training program, with avenues for further education and training.
• Opportunities to participate in national and international conferences.
• Conveniently located workplace near Landungsbrücken.
• Flexibility in working hours, accommodating family needs.
• Childcare subsidies.
• HVV-ProfiTicket subsidy as “Deutschlandticket” (Basic).
• Company pension scheme.
• Favorable terms at selected sports and fitness clubs in Hamburg.

The anticipated start date is as soon as possible. Initially, the position is limited to 3½ years, following the guidelines of the public service under the TV-AVH (collective agreement of the “Arbeitsrechtliche Vereinigung Hamburg”).

We prioritize a healthy work-life balance for our employees and actively promote gender equality. Our efforts encompass women’s professional advancement, elevating their representation in research, and minimizing gender disparities in all areas and roles. We warmly welcome applications from individuals with disabilities.

As members of the Diversity Charter, Germany’s largest diversity management network, we are committed to integrating diversity into our institute’s culture. Our aspiration is to foster a work environment that is free from biases.

Kindly apply by September 15, 2023, preferably using our online form. Your application should include a motivation letter, CV, high school and university certificates, as well as the names and contact details of two references. Link to Application

Alternatively, you can submit your application referring to “PhD_Cellular Parasitology” via postal mail to: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Ms. Katja Bünger, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.

For inquiries about the application process or selection procedure, please contact Ms. Katja Bünger (buenger(at)bnitm.de) from the Human Resources Department.

For further queries, please reach out to Dr. Joachim Michael Matz (joachim.matz(at)bnitm.de).

www.bnitm.de