Postdoctoral Position in Structural Parasitology

The Ho Lab is looking for a motivated postdoctoral research fellow to lead a project focused on understanding how the malarial moving junction complex assembles, and remodels membranes at the host-pathogen interface during malaria parasite invasion into host cells.

The project: Malaria pathogenesis is directly linked to the malaria parasite’s ability to invade and replicate in human red blood cells (RBCs). Parasite entry is initiated by a dynamic supramolecular complex called the moving junction, which briefly assembles into a large ring-shaped portal at the host-parasite interface, just long enough (~60 sec) for the parasite to enter the host cell. Our recent structure of the basic repeating unit of the moving junction, a complex formed by parasite proteins AMA1, RON2, RON4 and RON5, reveals features that hint at how the moving junction may assemble and remodel the host membrane during invasion (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2026.06.012). The successful candidate will build on this breakthrough using a combination of conditional parasite genetics, biochemical studies, cryo-EM and in situ cryo-ET to understand how individual AMA1-RON complexes oligomerize into the dynamic moving junction ring and how it remodels host membranes during invasion.

 We are looking for an innovative, resourceful and resilient scientist who enjoys learning new things, tackling new challenges, and being part of an open, collaborative team. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, collaborative research community and enjoy access to the state-of-the-art electron microscopy facilities at Columbia, including:

  • Multiple Titan Krios microscopes with a Gatan BioQuantum energy filter and Gatan K3 direct electron detector

  • A dual-beam Aquilos cryo-FIB/SEM microscope, Leica cryo-correlative fluorescence light microscope

  • A Glacios screening microscope with a Gatan K3 direct electron detector

Our lab is located in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City, New York. Research in our lab focuses on understanding how malaria parasites co-opt and remodel membranes at the host-pathogen interface. To achieve this, we develop and apply novel approaches for endogenous structure determination from malaria parasites, combining cutting-edge CryoEM and in situ CryoET with biophysics and parasite genetics to overcome longstanding barriers to high resolution structural study in malaria parasites. More information here: www.cmholab.org.

If interested, please send a CV, contact information for three references, and a cover letter outlining the reasons for your scientific interest in our lab and your career goals to Dr. Chi-Min Ho at ch3516@cumc.columbia.edu.

 Qualifications:

  • A PhD in molecular parasitology or biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology is required.

  • A strong background and at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication in one or more of the following areas: conditional malaria parasite (P. falciparum) genetics, membrane protein biochemistry, single particle cryoEM, cryoET, biochemical and biophysical assay development.

  • Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, and excellent attention to detail.

Haile et al, Cell 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2026.06.012