Application Guide
How to Apply for Postdoctoral Position – Malaria
at Pasteur Institute
🏢 About Pasteur Institute
The Pasteur Institute is a globally recognized leader in infectious disease research with a 130-year legacy of groundbreaking discoveries, including the rabies vaccine. Its unique position combines fundamental research with direct public health applications, offering researchers access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative international network. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that translates laboratory findings into real-world health solutions.
About This Role
This postdoctoral position focuses on identifying host factors critical for Plasmodium falciparum liver-stage infection through loss-of-function and image-based high-throughput screening. You'll analyze infection phenotypes to uncover novel host determinants, directly advancing malaria drug and vaccine development. The role offers exceptional mentorship for developing independent funding applications while collaborating with international partners in a highly interactive research environment.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves designing and executing high-throughput screening experiments using automated imaging systems, followed by computational analysis of infection phenotypes to identify candidate host factors. You'll regularly collaborate with international partners via virtual meetings to coordinate experiments and share findings, while dedicating time to developing your independent research proposals with guidance from senior mentors. The environment balances hands-on laboratory work with data analysis and scientific communication in a highly collaborative setting.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Pasteur Institute Is Looking For
- PhD in molecular parasitology, cell biology, or immunology with hands-on experience in Plasmodium falciparum culture and liver-stage models
- Proven expertise in high-throughput screening techniques, particularly image-based analysis and CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function approaches
- Strong computational skills for analyzing complex infection phenotype datasets and statistical validation
- Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative international teams with excellent communication skills in English (French proficiency is a plus)
📝 Tips for Applying to Pasteur Institute
Highlight specific experience with Plasmodium liver-stage models and mention any previous work with high-content imaging or screening platforms
Reference Pasteur Institute's specific malaria research groups you'd want to collaborate with (e.g., Malaria Infection & Immunity Unit)
Demonstrate awareness of their international networks by mentioning relevant collaborators or consortia like the Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center
Include a brief research proposal outline showing how your work would integrate with their existing liver-stage malaria projects
Emphasize any experience with French or EU funding mechanisms, as they specifically mention support for independent funding applications
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience with Plasmodium falciparum liver-stage infection models and phenotypic analysis', 'Specific technical expertise in high-throughput screening methodologies relevant to the role', "How your research interests align with Pasteur Institute's mission of translating basic science to public health solutions", 'Your collaborative approach and experience working in international research teams']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Recent publications from Pasteur Institute's malaria research units, particularly on liver-stage infection and host factors
- → The institute's specific high-throughput screening platforms and imaging facilities available for malaria research
- → Current EU and French funding opportunities for postdoctoral researchers in infectious diseases
- → Pasteur Institute's international malaria collaborations and consortia partnerships
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications that don't specifically address Plasmodium liver-stage research or high-throughput screening experience
- Failing to demonstrate awareness of Pasteur Institute's specific research strengths in malaria
- Overlooking the collaborative aspect by not showing experience or interest in international team science
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Pasteur Institute!