Post Doctoral Fellow

About the role

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Malaria Research Laboratory of Professor Stefan Kappe. The laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms governing Plasmodium liver-stage development, host–parasite interactions, and the development of next-generation malaria vaccine platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute independent research projects focused on malaria parasite biology, genetics, and vaccine development.
• Generate and characterize transgenic Plasmodium parasites using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering approaches.
• Perform molecular cloning, parasite transfection, genotyping, and phenotypic analyses.
• Conduct liver-stage, blood-stage, and mosquito-stage parasite infection experiments.
• Identify and evaluate novel malaria vaccine candidates, including transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) antigens and genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) vaccine platforms.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Prepare manuscripts, figures, presentations, and contribute to grant applications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams within the laboratory and with external collaborators.
• Mentor graduate students, research technicians, and junior trainees when appropriate.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, project discussions, and scientific presentations.
• Maintain compliance with institutional biosafety, animal care, and research regulations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Parasitology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related field.
• Experience in molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques.
• Strong experimental and analytical skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with malaria parasites or other apicomplexan parasites.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated transgenesis and molecular cloning.
• Experience with parasite culture, mosquito infection studies, or transmission-stage biology.
• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics, or functional genomics.
• Experience with microscopy, flow cytometry, or host-pathogen interaction models.
• Interest in translational malaria vaccine development.

Benefits

UMB is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

Application

Please submit the following documents via email: Curriculum vitae, Cover letter describing interest in the research topic, research experience, technical expertise, career goals, and expected availability/start date, Contact information for three professional references. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated researcher passionate about advancing the science of vaccine development and immune response!

To apply, please send your application to Dr. Hardikkumar Patel, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics: hardik.patel@som.umaryland.edu.

Further information about the CVD can be found at http://medschool.umaryland.edu/CVD/.