Exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions of Malaria parasites using cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM)

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Studying the Host-Pathogen Interactions of Malaria Parasites in the Ho Lab at Columbia University

The Ho Lab, in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Columbia University, is seeking enthusiastic, motivated undergraduate researchers to join us in using cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM) and in situ cryoelectron tomography (cryoET) to explore how membrane protein complexes mediate host-pathogen interactions in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We use CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically modify malaria parasites, cryoEM to determine structures of native membrane protein complexes purified directly from malaria parasites and cryoET to directly visualize parasite-infected red blood cells. Learn more about our research and our team here: www.cmholab.org.

We are looking for innovative, resourceful and resilient students who enjoy learning new things, meeting new people, and being part of an open, collaborative team. This is a 6 month position with the possibility to extend. Undergraduate students interested in exploring research in our lab are welcome to send their resume, unofficial transcript, current class schedule, and a cover letter with a paragraph or two about themselves, their future career goals, and a brief description of what they hope to learn to Dr. Ho at [email protected]. We’re excited to meet you!