PRR Project

Summary

Job descriptionThe primary responsibility of the researcher is overseeing operations at the insectary facilities of VIASEF. This includes two major tasks: i) rearing mosquito strains and troubleshooting insect rearing protocols; ii) establishment of SMFA protocols, assistance to in vitro cultures of vector-borne pathogens, protocol design and optimization. The researcher will design and execute experimental work focused on live mosquitoes and will assist projects that require the use of live mosquitoes.The researcher will also execute accessory molecular biology techniques in the scope of the experimental work, such as assays enabling pathogen detection and quantification, screening molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance or monitoring transgenic strains. Hosted at IHMT-NOVA an organic unit responsible for post-graduation training, the researcher will also support students on their thesis workplans. Finally, the researcher will also have managerial responsibilities, participating in maintenance of the infrastructure, ensuring that standard operation procedures (SOPs) follow safety regulations and overseeing supplies. Essential activities include:Insectary management and colony rearingEstablish and oversee the rearing of multiple mosquito strains and troubleshoot rearing protocols.Assist in design and execution of insectary-based experiments that involve working with live mosquitoes.Experimental infectionsMaintain in vitro cultures of vector-borne pathogens, with focus on protozoan parasites and arboviruses.Design and optimize SMFA for experimental infections with human pathogens, including handling infected mosquitoes in ACL-2 and ACL-3Molecular biology assaysDevelop and execute molecular assays for pathogen detection, genotyping of genes of interest (e.g., insecticide resistance) and monitoring transgenic lines.Managerial responsibilitiesEnsure safety protocols and EU regulations for handling non-native arthropods and compliance of spaces to Arthropod Containment Level (ACL) regulations.Assist with ordering supplies, maintaining equipment and organization of work space.Assist in writing reports/publications and contribute to preparation of project proposals. ProfileThe profile of the applicants must include the following qualifications:Minimum QualificationsPh.D. degree in biology, biomedical sciences or equivalent, with proven experience working in vector biology.Experience in rearing mosquitoes in insectary and using artificial blood-feeding systems.Experience in handling live mosquitoes in an experimental setting, experimental infections and vector competence assaysExcellent interpersonal/communication skills to work in a collegial team environment and strong organizational skills.Proficiency in English.Preferred qualificationsExperience in in vitro culture of vector-borne pathogensExperience performing standard PCR-based molecular techniquesExperience in conducting research in at least one of the following topics: vector-pathogen interactions insecticide resistance, transmission-blocking vaccines, evaluation of vector control products, genetically engineered mosquitoes. RationaleThe VIASEF consists of a high security infrastructure (ACL3), which offers the academic, scientific and business community the possibility of developing "in vivo" studies with native, invasive, exotic or transgenic arthropods, vectors of pathogens that cause human diseases. This infrastructure also provides safe laboratory conditions to develop projects with human pathogens (vector-borne or otherwise), including those classified as level 3 biological risks.The Assistant researcher will be integrated in the major research lines currently implemented at the VIASEF facility of GHTM-IHMT-NOVA, namely:Experimental infections to assess vector competence and test new transmission-blocking products. This research lines involves establishing in vitro culture of vector-borne pathogens with a focus on malaria parasites and mosquito-borne arboviruses; maintaining both permanent reference and temporary field-derived mosquito vector colonies, and implementing experimental infections based on the Standard Membrane Feeding Assay (SMFA) protocols. These experimental models allow controlled studies to assess mechanisms of pathogen transmission, efficacy of transmission blocking drugs and vaccines and testing vector competence of transgenic lines.Design and implementation of bioassays to test innovative tools for vector control. This research line implies the establishment and optimization of experimental protocols to assess to effect of new products such as novel insecticides, repellents and new trapping methods for vector monitoring and control. Experiments may be designed based on existing or newly established vector colonies.