Postdoc in parasite evolution

We are looking to hire a postdoctoral research associate on a 3-year project on parasite modulation of metabolism. An astonishing outcome of the antagonistic coevolutionary dynamics between host and parasite is the evolution of parasite ability to interfere with host physiology. The molecular details of such interference is poorly understood, limiting our ability to decipher parasite virulence and its evolution. A major component of parasite mediated “host reprogramming” targets host metabolism and thereby results in improved parasite growth. A particularly striking example of this is the ability of several viruses to increase the rate of glycolysis in infected cells by up to 370%. More elaborate modulations include, for example, the alteration of lipid and GTP biosynthesis. These findings strongly indicate that a full understanding of host-pathogen interaction and pathogen-caused disease states require a holistic view that considers host and the pathogen as a single system. This project will concentrate on the interaction of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Francisella tularensis with human macrophages. Utilizing metabolic modeling together with phenotypic profiling and flux measurements, we will achieve a better understanding of how these parasites manipulate their host and cause disease. The ultimate aim is to develop better strategies of combating intracellular parasites and developing robust analysis approaches at the host-parasite systems level. To apply, please send your CV, covering letter (detailing your motivation) and the details of three referees to Orkun S. Soyer quoting the job reference P43557 in any correspondence. For more information, see group web site at; http://osslab.ex.ac.uk/ Orkun S. Soyer, PhD Senior Lecturer in Systems Biology Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter URL: http://osslab.ex.ac.uk/ Tel: +44 (0)1392 723615