Post-doctoral position in Plasmodium genomics/transcriptomics in Montpellier University, France

Universite de Montpellier; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research university in France is seeking a Postdoc researcher focused on understanding P. falciparum infections. The role involves genomic analysis and significant interaction with experts. Candidates must have a PhD in Biology or Bioinformatics and be skilled in data analysis. This is a full-time, temporary position within the Laboratory of Pathogens and Host Immunity.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Biology/Bioinformatics.
• Demonstrated experience in Omics data analysis.
• Able to work independently and focused on biological questions.

Responsabilités

• Analyse parasite field isolate genomes and transcriptomes.
• Conduct various dry-lab projects defined by expertise.
• Interact with immunologist collaborators in Marseille and Toulouse.

Connaissances

Long-read sequencing data analysis

Phylogenetic analysis

Population genetics knowledge

Communication skills in English

Molecular biology experience

Formation

PhD in Biology/Bioinformatics

Outils

Biostatistics/Bioinformatics software

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Universite de Montpellier Department Human Resources Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 12 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Reference Number 2026-R0063 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Work environment :

Malaria kills half a million children a year, yet in endemic areas most Plasmodium falciparum infections remain asymptomatic. The goal of our research is to understand the genomic and transcriptomic mechanisms that enable P. falciparum to establish a chronic, asymptomatic, infection in humans. We test in vitro based hypotheses on field isolates collected in malaria endemic countries. More specifically, we characterise how the parasite escapes the immune system by regularly switching its surface antigens.

Main mission :

You will analyse parasite field isolate genomes, transcriptomes and single-cell transcriptomes. Please note that a candidate has already been selected for this specific position. We are required to advertise anyway.

Activities :

Various dry-lab projects are available, the exact research question will be defined based on the candidate expertise:

• Long-read sequencing data analysis (Nanopore versus PacBio) from P. falciparum clinical isolates
• Phylogenetic analysis of variant surface antigens (var, rif, stevor) from newly assembled P. falciparum genomes
• Parasite population genetic diversity in Cameroon and Ghana.
• Qualitative and quantitative assessment of variant surface antigen expression from single-cell RNAseq data from symptomatic versus asymptomatic parasite isolates. The ultimate goal is to identify host & parasite biomarkers predicting the outcome of a malaria infection (symptomatic vs asymptomatic).

You will also interact with our immunologist collaborators in Marseille and Toulouse.

• Training in biostatistics/bioinformatics, or in molecular biology with demonstrated experience in Omics data analysis
• Knowledge of population genetics and/or phylogenetics is a plus
• Able to work independently
• Great communication skills in English
• Stay focused on answering a specific biological question, from the initial analysis to publication
• Passionate about scientific discoveries
• Other desirable skills: knowledge about malaria biology, willing to occasionally supervise a Master student, participate actively in the lab and institute life.

PhD required in: Biology / Bioinformatics

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Laboratory of Pathogens and Host Immunity (LPHI) Country France Geofield