Opportunities

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Project Associate I – Parasite Epigenetics Lab

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We are looking for highly motivated candidates for the position of Project Associate to join our lab at the Dept. of Developmental Biology and Genetics at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. We are interested in understanding small RNA-mediated epigenetic mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions using Toxoplasma gondii as a model system. We employ a range of techniques ranging from biochemical, molecular, and proteomics to Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) methods. For more information about our research, please visit the Research section.

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Job Description 

The candidate is expected to design and manage the work independently, have good organisational skills, and handle multiple tasks. Previous experience in cell culture/parasite culture, molecular biology, and biochemistry will be an asset. 

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Qualifications

Master's Degree in any branch of Life Science. The upper age limit is 35 years. Previous experience in cell culture/parasite culture, molecular biology, and biochemistry will be an asset. 

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We offer

Salary is as per institutional norms for one year initially and is extendable further subject to performance and availability of funds.

The candidate will benefit from conceptual and experimental training and mentorship for career development, and they will have the freedom to shape their research project in addition to their assigned responsibilities. Both our Department and Institute have a very dynamic scientific community and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

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How to apply

Send in a Motivation letter and a detailed CV to meetalilab.openings@gmail.com clearly mentioning the position "Project Associate". The last date to apply is May 31st, 2024.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed and called for an online interview.

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PhD students​

 

We will be taking PhD students for the upcoming academic session (2024-2025) through the IISc PhD program. 

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Projects

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RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved pathway across all eukaryotic species, with the notable exception of some parasitic protozoa, including Plasmodium falciparum. On the other hand, protozoan parasites like Toxoplasma, Trichomonas, and Trypanosoma, among others, retained RNAi, however, with minimal components and RNAi factors with atypical domains. Our understanding of RNAi (small RNA) pathways in most of these organisms is very limited. In this proposed study, we will investigate the functions of this minimal RNAi pathway using Toxoplasma gondii as a model system. Toxoplasma gondii can infect any nucleated cell in warm-blooded animals, where it reproduces asexually, with the sexual cycle taking place in the definitive hosts of the cat family. Despite a minimal RNAi pathway, deep sequencing has identified small RNAs in Toxoplasma gondii. Yet, their function in the life cycle and pathogenesis of the parasite is entirely unknown.

To address the big question of how this atypical small RNA pathway mediates epigenetic regulation of pathogenesis and host-parasite interaction, we will implement the following projects using state-of-the-art methods, including Next-Gen sequencing methods (Illumina and nanopore platform), proteomics (Mass-spec), molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational data analysis.

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1. Understanding the role of a minimal small RNA pathway in the intracellular survival and stage transition of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

2. ​Understanding RNAi evolution: What are the minimal and atypical factors and the biogenesis of sRNAs?

3. Understanding the cross-talk of the host and the parasite’s small RNA pathways & crosstalk with other epigenetic mechanisms.

   

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If you would like to explore the world of small RNAs with us, do visit our lab while you are in Bangalore during the interviews.

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Postdoctoral fellows

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We are looking forward to supporting postdoctoral fellows for the DBT RA position, C V Raman and/or IoE Post-Doc Position to join our lab at the Dept. of Developmental Biology and Genetics at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. We want to understand small RNA-mediated epigenetic mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions using Toxoplasma gondii as a model system. We employ various techniques ranging from biochemical, molecular, and proteomics to Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) methods. For more information about our research please check the research section of our website.

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Job Description and Qualifications

The candidate is expected to design and manage the work independently, have good organizational skills, work in an interdisciplinary team, and handle multiple tasks. Ph.D. in any branch of life sciences with relevant experience either in the field of parasitology, epigenetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, or computational methods for NGS data analysis is desirable and should be supported by a strong publication record. ​

We will be happy to support your application for various postdoctoral research fellowships.

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The candidate will benefit from conceptual and experimental training, and mentorship for career development and will have the freedom to shape their research project in addition to their assigned responsibilities. Both our Department and Institute have a very dynamic scientific community and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

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How to apply​

Send in a Motivation letter summarising your research interests in line with our lab research, and a detailed CV to meetalilab.openings@gmail.com clearly mentioning the position "Postdoc applications" in the subject line. 

Shortlisted candidates will be informed and called for an interview.