Introduction
The Tolia lab study the molecular events that occur during erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium parasites. We use the tools of structural biology and biochemistry to examine proteins and protein complexes associated with these events.
Malaria causes an estimated 300-500 million cases and 1-3 million deaths annually, 80% of which are in children under the age of five. The clinical symptoms of malaria culminate upon red blood cell invasion by Plasmodium parasites, the etiological agents of Malaria. Therefore, preventing binding and invasion of the red blood cells is an attractive target for therapeutics.
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Job Opportunities
Postdoctoral Position in Protein X-ray Crystallography
A postdoctoral position is immediately available to study the structure of Plasmodium receptor-ligand interactions important for the pathogenesis of malaria. Crystals and initial maps are available.
The Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics have state-of-the-art equipment for protein expression, purification and in house X-ray data collection; frequent access to synchrotron sites and remote data collection beamlines and excellent computational facilities.
Highly motivated candidates with experience in protein expression, refolding, crystallization and structure determination are encouraged to apply by e-mailing a curriculum vitae, summary of research experience and interests, and names and contact information for two references to Niraj Tolia (tolia@wustl.edu)