PhD position to resolve structural ribosome heterogeneity in the human malaria parasite

scBiomarkers UTechS - Institut Pasteur; Thane; On-site; INR 2,601,000 - 3,251,000; Full time

Job summary

The Baumgarten Lab at the Institute Pasteur in Paris, France, is seeking a PhD student to join our Parasite RNA Biology group. The position is fully funded for 3 years and targets a MSc graduate with a strong background in molecular biology.

The dormancy and developmental stages of the malaria parasite will be studied using cutting-edge genomics and cryo-EM. Start date is planned for the second half of 2027.

Qualifications

• The candidate should hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Background in molecular/cellular/structural biology or biochemistry is required.
• Experience with research lab workflows and genome/structural biology techniques is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the function of variant ribosomal RNAs during Plasmodium falciparum development.
• Apply functional genomics, cryo-electron microscopy and related approaches.
• Collaborate with European partners and contribute to training in advanced methods.

Skills

MSc degree

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Cryo-EM

Education

MSc degree or equivalent

Tools

Cryo-EM

Job description

Application Deadline

06 Nov 2026 2026-11-06 8:00:00 2026-11-06 18:00:00 Europe/Paris

PhD student

The Baumgarten Lab at the Institute Pasteur in Paris, France, is looking for a PhD student to join our \"Parasite RNA Biology\" research group. The position is intended for a student holding a MSc degree (or equivalent) and is fully funded for 3-years. \"25-28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris\" Sebastian Baumgarten [e-mail]

The overall goal of our research group is to resolve the function of variant ribosomal RNAs driving developmental progression of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The PhD work will focus on resolving structural heterogeneity of different ribosome populations using a range of functional genomic and cryo-electron microscopy approaches including single particle cryoEM and cryoCLEM. The project is embedded in a larger collaboration with the group of Simone Mattei at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg.

We are looking for a highly motivated student with a background in molecular/cellular/structural biology or biochemistry and prior experience in working in a research laboratory. Prior experience with the malaria parasites is not required. The candidate will receive a comprehensive training in molecular and structural biology, ranging from genome editing to advanced microscopy and next-generation sequencing.

The Baumgarten Lab is affiliates with the Departments of ‘Parasites and Insect Vectors’ and ‘Genomes and Genetics’ and is is located at the Institute Pasteur in the heart of Paris, France. The campus provides a state-of-the-art infrastructure though its core laboratories and access to the international Pasteur research network. The Institute has a vibrant graduate community and includes research teams covering all fields of biomedical research, providing an excellent training environment for young researchers.

The start date of the PhD is in the second half of 2027.