Post Doctoral Fellow

University of Maryland • Baltimore, MD

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow for the Malaria Research Laboratory of Professor Stefan Kappe. This role involves developing novel malaria vaccines using advanced molecular genetics, functional genomics, and vaccinology approaches. Research focuses on understanding Plasmodium liver-stage development, host-parasite interactions, and creating next-generation malaria vaccine platforms like genetically attenuated parasites (GAPs) and transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs). Current projects utilize CRISPR/Cas9-based parasite engineering, functional characterization of parasite genes, identification of novel vaccine antigens, and translational efforts for whole-parasite and subunit vaccines. UMB is a public university where employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Parasitology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related field
• Experience in molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques
• Strong experimental and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent organizational and communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working with malaria parasites or other apicomplexan parasites
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated transgenesis and molecular cloning
• Experience with parasite culture, mosquito infection studies, or transmission-stage biology
• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics, or functional genomics
• Experience with microscopy, flow cytometry, or host-pathogen interaction models
• Interest in translational malaria vaccine development

Responsibilities

• Design and execute independent research projects focused on malaria parasite biology, genetics, and vaccine development.
• Generate and characterize transgenic Plasmodium parasites using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering approaches.
• Perform molecular cloning, parasite transfection, genotyping, and phenotypic analyses.
• Conduct liver-stage, blood-stage, and mosquito-stage parasite infection experiments.
• Identify and evaluate novel malaria vaccine candidates, including transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) antigens and genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) vaccine platforms.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Prepare manuscripts, figures, presentations, and contribute to grant applications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams within the laboratory and with external collaborators.
• Mentor graduate students, research technicians, and junior trainees when appropriate.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, project discussions, and scientific presentations.
• Maintain compliance with institutional biosafety, animal care, and research regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree