The Vinayak lab  at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our group. Our research is focused on the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, the second leading cause after rotavirus of diarrheal illness in young children, and an economically important veterinary parasite that causes neonatal diarrhea in calves. We have recently established molecular genetics for C. parvum (Vinayak et al. 2015 Nature 523:477) and developed a novel animal model to test the efficacy of anti-cryptosporidial drugs (Manjunatha, Vinayak et al. 2017, Nature 546:376).

Projects will involve using cutting-edge tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, super-resolution microscopy and transgenic mouse models to decipher molecular mechanisms of host cell invasion by C. parvum, and identify essential druggable targets in the parasite.

Candidates with a recent Ph.D degree and experience in genetics, molecular and cell biology are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience with animal handling is a plus. Interested candidates should e-mail their CV and contact information of 2-3 references to sumiti@illinois.edu

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled www.inclusiveillinois.illnois.edu