Positions available

PhD student Position

Posting Date: Jan 24, 2025 

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Project: Genetic Study of Parasite-Host Interactions Associated with Susceptibility in Malaria

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Summary: Malaria remains the most important parasitic disease worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality and its wide geographical distribution in tropical regions. In Brazil, this disease is mainly caused by Plasmodium vivaxspecies and more than 99% of cases occur in the Legal Amazon region. Genetic components of the parasite and the host can influence the infection course, such as the presence of a polymorphism that inhibits the expression of the Duffy antigen, a molecule used as the traditional route of entry for P. vivax into erythrocytes. Furthermore, there are still several gaps in knowledge regarding the impact of other human deficiencies, such as G6PD deficiency and beta thalassaemia, on vivax malaria. In view of this, this study aims to characterise genetic factors in the parasite-host interaction involved in susceptibility to vivax malaria in a highly endemic region of the Brazilian Amazon.

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Highly motivated individuals with track record of productivity in molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or parasitology are encouraged to apply. Candidates do not need to have a master's degree and can pursue a doctorate directly.

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PhD Fellowship: The applicant must apply for a FAPESP scholarship. FAPESP doctoral fellowships consist of monthly allowances of R$ 5,520.00 in the two initial years and R$ 6,810.00 in the two final years, plus an additional grant equivalent to 20% of the monthly allowances to cover costs related to the research project. More information about FAPESP fellowships can be found at https://fapesp.br/17198/doctorate-scholarship and https://fapesp.br/17199/doctorate-applicant-without-msc-degree-dd-scholarship.

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Applicants must send a CV, motivation letter, and two recommendation letters to marinho@usp.br.