Ilri vacancy: post doctoral scientist – ctlgh (closing date: (open until filled)

CGIAR System Organization; Montpellier; Sur place; USD 40 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An established research institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to groundbreaking studies on East Coast fever tolerance in cattle. This role involves leading innovative research, conducting molecular and cellular experiments, and collaborating with a team of experts. You'll have the opportunity to publish your findings in esteemed journals and present at international conferences, making a significant impact in the field of livestock genetics. Join a dynamic environment that values research excellence and offers a competitive salary and benefits package, fostering your professional growth and contributions to global food security.

Prestations

Medical Insurance

Competitive Salary

Research Funding Opportunities

International Collaboration

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant fields required with extensive lab experience.
• Proven skills in flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques.

Responsabilités

• Lead research on molecular mechanisms for ECF tolerance.
• Conduct experiments and present findings at conferences.

Connaissances

Flow Cytometry

Cell Proliferation Assays

qPCR Assays

CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing

Molecular Biology Techniques

Parasitology

Formation

PhD in Cellular Biology

PhD in Cancer Biology

PhD in Host-Pathogen Interaction

PhD in Mammalian Innate Immunity

Outils

FACS

MACS Columns

qPCR Equipment

Transcriptomic Analysis Tools

Description du poste

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher to support the East Coast fever (ECF) tolerance project, part of the Center for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) Dairy Genomics research pillar.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR Research Centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the PI, play a lead role in ILRI’s research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to tolerance towards Theileria parva, the causative agent of East Coast fever (ECF), in African Indigenous cattle with specific single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with this tolerance.

Activities include:

• Perform in vitro infectivity assays with T. parva sporozoites and lymphocytes from tolerant and susceptible animals.
• Perform cell proliferation and flow cytometry assays to characterize the parasites’ subcellular tropism in tolerant and susceptible animals.
• Plan experiments to generate qPCR and transcriptomics data of infected cells.
• Conduct genome editing experiments in stable T. parva Muguga-infected lymphocytes (TpM) lines to identify/confirm genes responsible for the in vivo ECF-tolerance and in vitro proliferation phenotypes.
• Present research findings at regular lab meetings.
• Present papers at international scientific conferences.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Contribute to the development of resource mobilization proposals as appropriate.

Requirements

• PhD in Cellular Biology, Cancer Biology, Host-Pathogen Interaction or Mammalian Innate Immunity.
• Proven extensive experience working with flow cytometry and cell separation by FACS or MACS columns.
• Proven experience in executing cell proliferation assays.
• Ability to perform qPCR assays, prepare samples for transcriptomic analysis, and other molecular biology assays.
• Experience in parasitology or characterizing apoptotic pathways is an added advantage.
• Prior experience in performing luciferase reporter assays is a plus.
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas genome editing in mammalian cells is an advantage.

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG 16, and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a two (2) year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical and other insurances.

Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our portal https://ilri.simplicant.com. Revisions of application will start 26 November 2024 and the position will be closed when filled. The position title and reference number: LG/1605/2024 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.