Applications Invited for PhD Positions at Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, IBAB

ADVERTISEMENT FOR Ph.D. POSITIONS The Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, headed by Dr. Shruthi S. Vembar, invites applications for Ph.D. positions from highly motivated individuals. Located within the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, a pre-eminent academic institute in the country, the molecular parasitology laboratory (a.k.a. @Plasmobees) uses NGS, CRISPR/Cas and omics approaches to understand the biology of the fascinating unicellular, obligate intracellular, eukaroytic parasite that causes malaria, Plasmodium spp.

The successful candidate(s) will work on diverse projects such as the characterization of novel epigenetic DNA and histone modifications in parasite gene regulation, functional analysis of atypical RNA-binding proteins, mRNA biology, development of state-of-the-art CRISPR/Cas and other gene manipulation technologies to perform functional genomics, anti-malarial drug discovery, and modelling host-parasite interaction using systems biology approaches. All of these projects use a combination of molecular biology, biochemical, cell biological, CRISPR/Cas, NGS and bioinformatics techniques, and relevant training will be provided. Opportunities to develop oral and written communication skills, collaborations (national and international), and travel to conferences will also be provided. The selected candidate(s) can avail on-campus accommodation. Remuneration will be as per fellowship guidelines.

Essential Qualifications and Skills: 1. Master’s degree (M.Sc. OR equivalent) in Life Sciences/ Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology/ Biotechnology/ Zoology/ Genetics or related subjects with at least 70% of marks or 7.5 CGPA from a recognized university.

2. Valid fellowship (CSIR/ UGC/ DBT/ ICMR/ INSPIRE or any other national fellowship) 3. Strong aptitude for laboratory work; should be detail-oriented and organised with the ability to prioritise.

4. Ability to carry out maintenance of general laboratory equipment and resources.

5. Basic IT skills that include familiarity with Microsoft Office packages and statistical data analyses; experience with programming and NGS analysis will be an added plus.

6. Willingness to learn, and ability to be a team player.

7. Prior experience of working in a research laboratory or industry is preferred (min. 6 months).

8. Hands-on experience in basic molecular biology techniques, maintenance of cell lines and transfection procedures, microscopy, spectrophotometry, protein purification and/or analytical methods such as HPLC is preferred.

Application deadline: 5th September, 2021 How to Apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their motivation and a CV that clearly demonstrates relevant practical expertise and skills as a single pdf file to shruthivembar.ibab@gmail.com, addressed to Dr. Shruthi Vembar. The subject line of the email must include “Application for PhD position”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

About IBAB: IBAB is an autonomous institute engaged in education, research and entrepreneurial support programs and is based at Electronic City, Bengaluru. The institute offers a unique master’s degree program with dual specialization in bioinformatics and biotechnology as well as an interdisciplinary PhD program. IBAB has strong research programs in various disciplines, excellent infrastructure and an environment suitable for cutting-edge research. IBAB is an equal opportunity employer.

For more details, visit https://www.ibab.ac.in/research/shruthi-s-vembar/