Research Assistant (TEMP)

Drexel•Philadelphia, PA

5d•Onsite

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 is one of the four laboratories within the Center for Molecular Parasitology at Drexel University College of Medicine. We focus on malaria parasites including P. falciparum and P. vivax and aim to understand their biology for developing antimalarial drugs and vaccines. Particularly, the Ke lab is interested in the parasite’s metabolism and bioenergetics. We have recently discovered that the ring-stage parasites utilize pyrophosphate (PPi) as an energy source for pumping protons to establish plasma membrane potential. This ATP-independent proton pumping mechanism is unique to parasites and represents a potential antimalarial drug target. The future temporary employee will be funded by an R01 grant to study the bioenergetic status of ring-stage parasites and understand why the parasites use PPi rather than ATP for establishing plasma membrane potential. This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.

Requirements

Background in microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related field.
Prior experience in parasitology.
Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Microbiology.
Minimum of 1 year of experience.
Typically sitting at a desk/table.
Typically standing, walking.

Nice To Haves

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 the parasites use PPi rather than ATP for establishing plasma membrane potential.