Research Assistant (TEMP)
About The Position
A temporary research assistant position is available in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology to investigate the metabolism and bioenergetics of ring-stage malaria parasites. The Ke lab, part of the Center for Molecular Parasitology at Drexel University College of Medicine, focuses on malaria parasites (P. falciparum and P. vivax) to understand their biology for developing antimalarial drugs and vaccines. The lab is particularly interested in the parasite’s metabolism and bioenergetics, having discovered that ring-stage parasites use pyrophosphate (PPi) as an energy source for proton pumping, an ATP-independent mechanism unique to parasites and a potential drug target. The future temporary employee, funded by an R01 grant, will study the bioenergetic status of ring-stage parasites and the reasons for using PPi over ATP for plasma membrane potential establishment. This position is grant-funded, and employment is contingent upon the continued availability of these funds.
Requirements
- Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Microbiology
- Minimum of 1 year of experience
- Prior experience in parasitology is necessary
Nice To Haves
- Background in microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related field.
- Strong background in molecular cloning.
- Strong background in cell culture.
- Strong background in omics study.
- Strong background in microscopy.
Responsibilities
- Investigate the metabolism and bioenergetics of ring-stage malaria parasites.
- Study the bioenergetic status of ring-stage parasites.
- Understand why parasites use PPi rather than ATP for establishing plasma membrane potential.
Benefits
- Access to equipment and facilities of other malaria research labs within Drexel.
- Opportunities to collaborate with parasitologists at UPenn.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
