PREAMBLE

The ACENTDFB is implementing a project titled “Development of novel antimalarial therapeutics targeting Plasmodium falciparum lipid-binding proteins (PfLBPs)” funded by the European Union under the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence Pilot Programme (ARISE-PP). The ARISE programme is implemented by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) with the European Commission and the African Union Commission as strategic oversight partners. The overall objective of ARISE-PP project is to enhance the capabilities of emerging African research leaders committed to a research and teaching career in Africa, to strengthen institutional research management and support systems to enable pan-African research to thrive, and to support the generation of cutting-edge research in contribution to the transformation of Africa into a knowledge-based and innovation-led continent and towards the transformation of lives in Africa through science. One of the activities of the project is to provide research financial support to highly talented PhD and MSc Nigerian students to undergo training at ACENTDFB.

The ARISE-PP project has therefore set aside 2 PhD and 3 MSc research scholarship positions. The scholarship shall competitively be made available to implement the above-mentioned project.

RESPONSIBILITIES

High resolution mapping of PfLBP interactomes for precise drug targeting:

1. T-175 scale culturing of tightly synchronized segmenting schizonts.

2. Plasmodium falciparum merozoite isolation.

3. Blue native PAGE analysis to identify native PfLBP higher-order protein complexes.

4. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments with antigen-specific polyclonal antibodies followed by Western blotting.

5. LC-MS/MS analysis to identify PfLBP interacting partner protein candidates.

6. Validation of PfLBP interactor(s) by reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation assays and Mass spectroscopy.

7. Time-resolved localization assays for the PfLBPs and their interactors.

8. Target identification chromatographic co-elution (TICC) capture of PfLBP interacting compounds from natural sources and their identification.

9. FACS-based parasite growth inhibitory assay screens with PfLBP interacting compounds.

10. Active participation during community engagement activities.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for PhD positions must have a master’s degree in any of the Life Sciences. Applicants should submit the following documents in a PDF file:

1. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.

2. A recommendation letter from current supervisor emphasizing competence of the applicant in the advertised research area.

3. Minimum of one publication or certificate of training workshop related to techniques used in malaria research will be an added advantage.

4. A max. 2-page of Curriculum Vitae (CV).

5. A max. 2-page research concept note related to the project.

6. A max. 2-page motivation letter.

7. A valid admission letter indicating the requisite degree in view.

DURATION

The PhD scholarships will run for a maximum of two years. The scholarship is initially granted for one year and may be extended upon successful performance.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested applicants should send their completed application documents in an email titled “PhD Research Scholarship position - ARISE-PP Project 2024” to acentdfb@gmail.com and copy to amlabu50630@gmail.com. Applicants may as well submit hard copy of their applications at the ACENTDFB, ABU Zaria. For further inquiries please contact the Principal Investigator, Arise-PP, Dr. Emmanuel Amlabu (+2348124622228). The application should be addressedto the below address.

The Centre Leader,
Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected 
Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology,
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, Nigeria.
                             

Note: Application for this position closes on September 13, 2024.