Postdoc (M/F) Molecular and cell biology in Trypanosoma brucei

A 24-month post-doctoral position starting on November 1^st 2025 (or before) and funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) is available in the Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP) laboratory in Bordeaux under the supervision of Dr Frédéric Bringaud (iMET team: https://www.mfp.cnrs.fr/wp/la-recherche/intermediate-and-energy-metabolism-of- trypanosomes-imet/).

Project: TrypaDiff - Glycerol, a new key player in the trypanosome parasite

Trypanosoma brucei is an extracellular parasite responsible for sleeping sickness in Africa and transmitted by a blood-feeding insect vector, the tsetse fly. In its mammalian host, the rapidly dividing slender forms predominate in the blood and tissues. At the peak of parasitaemia, slender forms differentiate into growth-arrested stumpy forms (ST) to protect the host by preventing high parasitaemia. Slender to stumpy differentiation relies on a quorum sensing mechanism triggered by the accumulation of di- and tripeptides produced by oligopeptidases excreted by the parasites. The current model of T. brucei transmission from mammals to the insect vector emphasises the key role of the quorum sensing-derived stumpy forms (ST-QS) produced in the blood. However, this may not be the only differentiation pathway.

Our recent unpublished data showed that glycerol, which is abundant in the skin and adipose tissues where the parasites also reside, induces differentiation of slender to stumpy-like forms (ST-Glyc), which are competent for differentiation into parasitic forms present in the insect. We thus propose a rational working hypothesis, in which the glycerol present in the skin would induce the production of ST-Glyc mostly responsible for the parasite transmission to the fly.

To study this new paradigm, our ANR-funded consortium composed of Dr Frédéric Bringaud (Bordeaux, coordinator of the TrypaDiff project), Dr Brice Rotureau (Institut Pasteur Paris - IPP) and Dr Lucy Glover (IPP) will (i) characterize glycerol-induced ST-Glyc forms, (ii) determine the biological relevance of these parasites, and (iii) characterize the signaling pathway(s) involved in their glycerol-induced differentiation. This program will contribute to a better understanding of the developmental biology of trypanosomes responsible for human and domestic animal diseases and will highlight possible new ways to control parasite transmission.

Experimental approaches

In vitro culture and differentiation of trypanosomes, preparation of cell samples for multiomics analyses (proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, single cell transcriptomics) performed in collaboration with specialised platforms, analysis of candidate genes involved in the glycerol-induced differentiation process by reverse genetic (KO and epitope-tagging using CRISPR-cas9, conditional RNAi knockdown and overexpression).

Requirements

Candidates with at least a PhD in Biological Science, especially in Parasitology or Cell Biology are encouraged to postulate. Highly motivated and autonomous candidates are wanted. Skills in cell culture and molecular biology would be appreciated.

Application

Applicants should send a CV, a bibliography, a motivation letter and the names of three references in a single pdf file to Dr Frédéric Bringaud before September 15^th 2025 (see details in the PDF file).

Post-doc_call_2025.pdf

Postdoc (M/F) in molecular biology in P. falciparum

Workplace: MONTPELLIER

Contract Period: 24 months

Expected date of employment: 1 October 2025

Proportion of work: Full Time

Remuneration: Starting from 3021.50€ gross per month, adjustable based on experience.

Desired level of education: Doctorate

Missions

The postdoctoral project aims to identify and study the molecular actors and mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression in the mitochondrion and apicoplast of the human malaria parasite, P. falciparum.

Main activities

- Project management

- Design and development of experiments (transfection, microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics...).

- P. falciparum cell culture

- Data analysis and presentation (written and oral)

- Literature monitoring

- Dissemination of knowledge in seminars and conferences

Qualifications

- PhD in molecular biology or parasitology

- Strong knowledge in gene expression regulation and/or parasitology

- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to lead an ambitious research project

- Good written and oral communication skills in English

- Ability to work autonomously and within a collaborative team

Desired skills

- Experience in research on P. falciparum

- Experience in cell culture

- Expertise in one or more techniques (e.g., RNA-seq, Nanopore, IFA, protein-protein interactions, etc.)

- Familiarity with bioinformatics (optional)

- Willingness to supervise students

Work Context

The LPHI is a Mixed Research Unit CNRS UMR 5294, INSERM UA 15, and the University of Montpellier, dedicated to the study of infectious processes and host immune response. The postdoc will join the ATIP-Avenir team entitled "Post-transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression in P. falciparum" under the direct supervision of T. Hollin.

The LPHI laboratory offers an excellent intellectual environment for research in microbiology/parasitology, and the University of Montpellier provides numerous technical platforms that are essential for the project.

Additionally, the LPHI includes 4 teams working on parasites (Toxoplasma and Plasmodium) and thus offers a stimulating work environment and a wide range of skills and knowledge to acquire in parasitology.

We strive to create an environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and supported.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Work in Containment Level 3 Laboratory.

For more information

https://lphi.umontpellier.fr/research-teams/team-hollin/

Please send your application to: thomas.hollin [at] umontpellier.fr

Associate Professor : Animal Biology and Parasitology – Host-Pathogen Interactions, Bordeaux, France 

Teaching Profile

The candidate will teach in animal biology, especially in metazoan diversity, phylogeny, and comparative anatomy in Bachelor Sciences de la vie (Years 1, 2 and 3). 

Research Profile

The selected candidate will join the Laboratory of Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (UMR 5234). Their research project will focus on parasites from the phylum Apicomplexa, pathogens affecting both humans and animals, with a preference for Toxoplasma gondii.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biology or equivalent, specializing in the biology and/or ecology of animal organisms
• Expertise in evolutionary mechanisms in animal biology and eukaryotic microbiology, particularly parasitology
• Skills in cell biology (including confocal or super-resolution optical microscopy) and molecular genetics tools such as CRISPR-Cas9
• One or more successful postdoctoral experiences

Application

Candidates must register their application and upload all required documents in PDF format on the website of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research via the ODYSSÉE application, following the general procedures outlined in the decree of February 6, 2023 (https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000047183295/?isSuggest=true).

Deadline to apply : Friday, April 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM (Paris time)

APPLICATION AND FILE SUBMISSION: Access Odyssée (https://odyssee.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/)

Additional details

Profil_Recherche_Biologie_et_parasitologie_animale_Interactions_hôte_pathogene.pdf

Two PostDoc positions on Trypanosoma brucei and its interactions with blood vessels, Lisbon, Portugal 

A collaborative project in the Lisbon area, Portugal, to explore groundbreaking interactions between Trypanosoma brucei and blood vessels. This parasite, notorious for causing devastating diseases in Africa, crosses blood vessels to invade critical organs like adipose tissue and the brain, complicating treatment and exacerbating disease outcomes. Our project, a collaborative endeavor between the Luisa Figueiredo Lab (Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine - GIMM, Lisbon) and the Claudio Franco Lab (Catolica Biomedical Research - CBR, Oeiras), seeks to unravel the molecular and cellular interactions between T. brucei and endothelial cells during parasite crossing. Insights from this research could pave the way for novel treatment strategies not only for trypanosomiasis but also for related inflammatory and oncological conditions.

Projects

Position 1 – L. FIGUEIREDO Lab (GIMM, Lisbon) Focus: Characterizing parasite features essential for the crossing of blood vessels. Techniques: The successful candidate will employ a suite of cutting-edge tools, including parasite genetics, in vitro crossing assays, genomic analysis, bioinformatics, cell sorting, advanced microscopy, and mouse infection models.

Position 2 – C. FRANCO Lab (CBR, Oeiras) Focus: Investigating endothelial cell phenotypes during parasite crossing at the single-cell level. Techniques: This role will utilize single-cell RNAseq, super-resolution and live imaging microscopy, mouse genetic manipulation, and in vitro assays to provide insights into vascular dynamics during infection.

Prerequisites

Two independent yet collaborative thinkers with a passion for solving complex biological puzzles. Candidates should possess a doctoral degree in life sciences and have a strong background in molecular biology, cell culture, bioinformatics, or imaging techniques.

Application

Submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and two reference contacts to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., indicating the reference CrossTryp. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

CrossTryp-2_positions.pdf