Open Positions

Research Area: Nutrient Uptake and Metabolism

Leading PI: Alexander Maier

Plasmodium falciparum lipid metabolism as a target for malaria intervention strategies - Position filled

The project will combine state-of-the-art lipidomics analyses of synchronized and selected parasite stages with mathematical modelling of lipid fluxes in order to select key enzymes and transporters that can be validated experimentally. An integrated mathematical model for ion and cell volume homeostasis in the malaria parasite-infected human erythrocyte remains elusive.

Research Area: Parasite Genetics and Adaptations 

Leading PI: Melanie Rug

Characterisation of the virulence complex of the malaria parasite

Inside erythrocytes, Plasmodium refurbishes its host cell by inducing novel organelles, such as Maurer’s clefts, which are trafficking hubs for the export of virulence factors.In this project previously unrecognized proteins of the exported virulence complex will be analysed by state-of-the-art  imaging tools, including correlative light and electron microscopy, in the human and murine model.

Research Area: Immune Responses

Leading PI: Brendan McMorran

Identification and analysis of platelet polymorphisms associated with malaria susceptibility

In the project the seminal finding that platelets are instrumental in killing of Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes permits the functional testing of whether candidate polymorphisms in platelet-associated genes cause malaria susceptibility. This study encompasses genotyping in patient cohorts and cell culture assays as proxy for platelet functions in infected patients. Sporozoite-based immunization strategies are presently one of the most promising roads towards an efficacious malaria vaccine.

Leading PI: Ian Cockburn

Novel adjuvants for pre-erythrocytic stage vaccines  - Position filled

The project will combine self-devised immunoglobulin transgenic mice and lentiviral knockdown libraries for the evidence-based development of adjuvants that permit superior B cell responses against inactivated sporozoites, which are notoriously weak in eliciting lasting immunity. Hence, this project could remove a major roadblock in development of whole sporozoite vaccines for use in endemic countries.

Research Area: Host Genetics and Responses

Leading PI: Gaétan Burgio

Unravelling the host response to malaria infection

The project will validate novel host resistance candidates by reverse genetics and analyse the effects of host genotypes on the response to artemisinin treatment and on parasite development and disease progression in a murine infection model.

Leading PI: Kevin Saliba

Familial flavin deficient erythrocytes and malaria susceptibility - Position Filled

The project originates from the identification of a local focus of familial flavin deficiency that is likely linked to previous malaria endemicity. Employing biochemical assays, the prevalence of flavin-deficient erythrocytes in SubSaharan Africa will be explored to identify genetic markers and correlate flavin deficiency with malaria incidence and disease progression.

Leading PI: Simon Foote

Screening for inhibitors of parasite growth using circular peptides and previously identified host targets

The concept of host directed therapy of Plasmodium blood infection will be experimentally tested for the first time in the project. Employing a circular peptide library, inhibitors of interactions between erythrocyte cytoskeletal proteins will be selected and further characterized in P. falciparum cell culture assays. A range of additional targets that were identified from in silico and forward genetics screens will be included in the screening pipeline.

There are currently no Berlin-based positions available. Please have a look at ANU's open positions, above!