Postdoc ‘Biophysics of the mosquito bite, using microfluidics to understand malaria transmission’

Job description
We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to join our vector biology team. The successful candidate will combine microfluidics, quantitative imaging, and machine learning to characterize malaria parasite migration from the mosquito mouthparts to the bloodstream.
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum travels a complex journey from mosquito to human. Despite its tremendous impact on human health, many aspects of the transmission biology of P. falciparum remain ill understood. We for instance lack a quantitative understanding of the dynamics of parasite transmission during the mosquito bite and the ensuing migration of parasites in the skin.
In this project, we will leverage advances in microfluidics, experimental biology, and quantitative imaging to

• Characterize the dynamics of parasite transmission and migration.
• Dissect the sensory biology of the mosquito mouthparts during the bite.

Parasite transmission cuts across scales ranging from a mosquito exploring the skin surface, to the mosquito mouthparts navigating the skin, and the parasite’s microscopic journey towards a blood vessel. We will develop and use artificial skin mimics (including microfluidic vasculature) to study these processes in detail. Characterizing the phenomena that inform the mosquito bite and govern parasite migration will enhance our understanding of the biological factors that make malaria transmission so deadly efficient.
Specifications

• max. 36 hours per week
• €3047—€4800 per month
• Nijmegen View on Google Maps

Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc)

Requirements
You are an outstanding postdoctoral researcher with an interest in mosquito and parasite biology and a strong and diverse experimental skillset. Our work combines a variety of techniques and approaches including (molecular) biology, quantitative imaging, and machine learning. The ideal candidate therefore has an open and creative mind, a strong affinity for quantitative biology, and a passion for solving problems using unconventional approaches.

• A PhD degree in (quantitative) biology, biophysics, molecular life sciences, neurobiology, bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental and data analytical skills.
• A creative, independent, and interdisciplinary individual with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills and English proficiency.
• Eagerness to learn new skills.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with a possible extension to 3 years.

Working at Radboud university medical center means that you are ahead of the curve and working together on the healthcare of the future. And there is more. Our secondary terms of employment are impressive. These are fully tailored to you thanks to our Employment Conditions Selection Model. At Radboud university medical center, you will be given trust, and you will take the responsibility to handle everything together.

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.047 and € 4.800 (scale 10) based on full-time employment.
• An annual vacation allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• If you work irregular hours, you will receive an allowance.
• As a full-time employee (36 hours per week), you are entitled to approximately 168 vacation hours (over 23 days) per year.
• Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. You pay the rest of the premium with your gross salary.
• You get a discount on health insurance as well: you can take advantage of two group health insurance plans. UMC Zorgverzekering and CZ collectief.
• We provide annual courses, both professional and personal.

In addition to our terms of employment , we also offer employees various other attractive facilities, such as childcare and sports facilities. Want to learn more? Take a look at the CAO UMC .
Employer
Radboudumc
The department of Medical Microbiology hosts a world-leading yet young and vibrant malaria research group led by a team of principle investigators with expertise across the entire spectrum of malaria research ranging from fundamental biology, to vaccine development and field studies. This unique combination of expertise and the excellent resources that include mosquitoes breeding and automated parasite culture facilities, enable the study of various aspects of mosquito biology and the entire complex Plasmodium life cycle. You will join the vector biology team, led by Dr. Felix Hol.
Radboudumc
Radboud university medical center is a university medical center for patient care, scientific research, and education in Nijmegen. Radboud university medical center strives to be at the forefront of shaping the healthcare of the future. We do this in a person-centered and innovative way, and in close collaboration with our network. We want to have a significant impact on healthcare. We want to improve with each passing day, continuously working towards better healthcare, research, and education. And gaining a better understanding of how diseases arise and how we can prevent, treat, and cure them, day in and day out. This way, every patient always receives the best healthcare, now and in the future. Because that is why we do what we do.
Read more about our strategy and what working at Radboud university medical center means. Our colleagues would be happy to tell you about it. #weareradboudumc
Additional information
Any questions? Please contact Dr. Felix Hol , Assistant Professor in talent track. Use the Apply button to submit your application.
#weareradboudumc

Radboud university medical center is a university medical center for patient care, scientific research, and education in Nijmegen. We want to have a significant impact on healthcare.

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Application procedure
Any questions? Please contact Dr. Felix Hol , Assistant Professor in talent track. Use the Apply button to submit your application.