PostDoc position in Biological Chemistry/Biochemistry/Proteomics at University of Strasbourg, France 

A renewable 6 month post-doctoral position is open at the ECPM (University of Strasbourg) to use activity-based protein profiling (ABPP)-based probes to evaluate the metabolism of the antiplasmodial drug plasmodione & derivatives, and to fish drug targets in living cells (E. coli, S, cerevisiae, P. falciparum). To circumvent the enhanced transmission of drug resistant malaria parasites to mosquitoes the team of the coordinator has developed an optimized plasmodione analogue with potent anti-gametocyte V and transmission-blocking properties. The postdoc project will use photoreactive plasmodione-derived alkynes as partners of the click reaction to fish and reveal target-protein adducts in mature P. falciparum rings and gametocytes upon irradiation and analyze them by mass spectrometry in chemical proteomics studies.

Project leader:

The project will be supervised by Dr. Elisabeth Davioud-Charvet, and integrated within a French/Swiss consortium working on novel antimalarial drugs and encompassing multiple disciplines: biological chemistry of redox-active antiparasitic compounds (Dr. Elisabeth Davioud-Charvet at LIMA-Strasbourg, & Marjorie Schmitt at LIMA-Mulhouse, UMR7042), mass spectrometry analysis & proteomics (Dr. Christine Schaeffer & Jean-Marc Strub) at IPHC, LSMBO, Strasbourg, Dr. Sarah Cianferani)), the biology of mosquitoes and malarial parasites (Dr Stephanie Blandin, MIR/M3I, IBMC, Strasbourg), and parasitology and drug screening (Prof. Pascal Maeser, University of Basel, Switzerland).

Project:

For the ROSkillers project, new selective activity-based probes were designed for the identification of plasmodione protein targets. A first proof-of-concept has been reported in vitro (Cichocki B. et al., JACSAu 2021, 1(5):669-689. doi: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00025). The postdoctoral researcher will undertake the analysis of the global interactome of this promising agent in vivo, first in E. coli and/or S. cerevisae overexpressing flavoenzymes as models, and then in parasite asexual stages and in gametocytes using proteomics methodologies. Candidate targets will be then validated with genetic engineering in Plasmodium. .  

Activities and experience:

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate with a strong background in mass spectrometry analysis of proteins (fundamental criteria). Additional expertise in click chemistry and/or photoirradiation would be appreciated. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of scientific excellence, very good communication and writing skills as well as a strong commitment to experimental work. The candidate should be also able to perform independent research and be eager to engage in collaborations with co-workers within this project. Knowledge of the French language is not required. Thorough knowledge of English, both oral and written is mandatory.. 

Application:

Application deadline : 30/04/2022

Application e-mail : christine.schaeffer (at) unistra.fr, sblandin (at) unistra.fr , elisabeth.davioud (at) unistra.fr

JobOffer_post-doc_EUCOR2022_final.pdf