All eukaryotic cell multiplication requires well-orchestrated developmental programs and regulatory pathways to guarantee fidelity in transmission of genetic information. Multiplication inside red blood cells of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, is responsible for malaria pathogenicity. Unlike model organisms, Plasmodium divides in unconventional ways producing not two but up to tens of thousands of daughter cells, in a single cell cycle round. This points to a yet-to-be-explored original and divergent cell cycle architecture where conventional rules likely do not apply.

We study different aspects of the cell cycle of malaria parasites. We are especially interested in understanding the regulatory network orchestrating the original cell cycle that characterises malaria parasites and how checkpoint like decisions are made throughout schizogony. For that we use cell and molecular biology, genetics, proteomics and advanced transcriptomics.
We combine the strenghts of two different models: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei to perform either in vivo or in vitro large scale studies.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team at LPHI in Montpellier, France. The successful candidate will lead an exciting ERC-funded project (JANUS 2024-2029) investigating the cell cycle of malaria parasites using cutting-edge genetics and omics techniques.

LPHI is a French Unité Mixte de Recherche CNRS (UMR 5294) – INSERM (UA 15) – Université de Montpellier, dedicated to the study of infectious microbes and host immune response. Research at LPHI aims at gaining a deeper understanding of how microbial pathogens develop and interact with their host, in order to identify new potential targets for therapeutics. The institute is part of a campus that has state of the art facilities including microscopy, flow cytometry, proteomics, sequencing and a high-performance computing cluster.
The LPHI is involved in several local, national and international networks like the University of Montpellier BioHealth Department, the Eurobiomed competitiveness cluster, the Infectiopôle Sud Foundation, the Parafrap Laboratory of Excellence, the FHU-TIE (Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire -Triangulation between the host, Infectious agents and the Environment) or the INFLANET European Training Network.
We strive to create an environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and supported.

For more info:
https://lphi.umontpellier.fr/research-teams/molecular-approaches-to-new…