BACKGROUND

The Apicomplexa are a group of phylogenetically related parasitic protists that include Plasmodium, Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma. Together they represent a major global burden on human health and economics. Despite their significance (Malaria affects over 300 million people and kills over one million children under the age of 5 annually, while Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium both represent life threatening disease in immune-compromised individuals) relatively few effective treatments and vaccines are currently available. With recent funding from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), we are offering an opportunity to a talented and motivated Post Doctoral scientist to apply state-of-the-art computational methods to investigate Apicomplexan metabolism and identify new sources of drug targets.

In an innovative research program, we aim to systematically explore the structure, organization and conservation of metabolic networks within the Apicomplexa. Exploiting available genome data we will identify divergent enzymes in the Apicomplexa that fulfill critical roles. In collaboration with Dr Mike Grigg (a leading expert in Toxoplasma genetics at the NIH), we will undertake a series of investigations based on biochemical, genetic and microarray screens to confirm which enzymes are critical for the in vivo survival and persistence of Toxoplasma and to validate their potential as future drug targets. In addition to the wealth of biological insights into the function and evolution of apicomplexan metabolism, this project is expected to lay the foundation for the development of the next generation of anti-apicomplexan therapeutics.

The Parkinson Lab is part of the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute (HSC-RI). The HSC-RI is one of the largest private research institutes in Canada with an annual research budget of $140 million and employing 235 Principal Investigators, 315 Research Fellows and 453 Graduate Students.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to take a lead role in the reconstruction and analysis of metabolic networks from genomic data. They will apply comparative methods to identify adaptations within these networks specific to the Apicomplexa and exploit mathematical methods such as Elementary Mode Analysis to assess the impact of adaptations on substrate flux. Finally, the candidate will integrate parasite expression into the analyses to identify divergent pathways and enzymes that are predicted to play a critical role in parasite infection.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should have recently (last 3 years) obtained their Ph.D in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology, and have related interests in evolutionary biology, comparative genomics and systems biology. Experience with parasite or other non-model organism genomics is desirable but not essential. Due to the need to develop novel algorithms and build on existing software platforms, applicants should be well versed in programming (Perl, Java and/or C++) and database development (e.g. SQL). They should also have a strong mathematical background.

Successful candidates will be highly motivated with the ability to integrate well within a team environment. They will also possess good communication (verbal and written) skills.

LOCALE

Toronto

COMPENSATION

Commensurate with experience

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume and names of three referees to:
jparkin[at]sickkids.ca

DEADLINE

Open until filled