Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Professor / Lecturer

We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced molecular parasitologist to join our friendly, inclusive, dynamic and growing discovery research group as a postdoctoral researcher. 

The postholder will work in Dr Knuepfer’s group, whose team explores molecular mechanisms of red blood cell invasion by malaria- and babesiosis-causing parasites.  

This MRC-funded 3-year research project will reveal the function of the RIPR protein complex in the malaria parasites Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium vivax. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Prof Draper’s group at Oxford and with the support of Prof Wright’s group at the University of York.

This research project focuses on the RIPR protein complex in two related human-infecting Plasmodium species, P. knowlesi and P. vivax. Whereas P. vivax cannot be maintained in long-term tissue culture, the zoonotic parasite P. knowlesi can. We will study here the molecular mechanisms of red blood cell invasion by P.knowlesi wild type and transgenic parasites expressing P. vivax genes. We will identify novel previously overlooked ligands as part of the invasion-critical RIPR protein complex; we will characterise cross-protective neutralising epitopes in PkRIPR and PvRIPR and we will define the precise mechanism of how neutralising cross-protective RIPR-specific antibodies prevent parasite cell entry. 

This fundamental research project will provide critical insights for the rational design of blood-stage malaria vaccines targeting human malaria parasites other than Plasmodium falciparum.

If you have a background in molecular parasitology, including in vitro tissue culture, generating transgenics, using real-time microscopy and protein biochemistry approaches, and are excited to work on an innovative research project seeking to move forward vaccine design against malaria-causing parasites, then please check out the job description and person specifications with this ad.

If you are interested in applying, please provide a CV and a letter detailing your previous research experiences and motivation for your application.

The starting date for the project is the 1^st of July, 2025. The position is a full-time post, limited to three years. 

We also offer a generous reward package and benefits including:

• Competitive and attractive pension package
• Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and concessionary days)
• A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave
• On site café and restaurant
• Free membership to gym facilities at Camden and the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre located on site at Hawkshead (gym, badminton, climbing wall, Zumba, yoga and Pilates classes included)
• Cycle to work scheme

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Ellen Knuepfer (Senior Lecturer in Vaccinology) by email: eknuepfer@rvc.ac.uk.