Department Peter Lukavsky Research Group – Central European Institute of Technology
Deadline 31 Dec 2019
Start date upon agreement.

The Director of Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC MU) opens a position Postdoc in integrative structural biology of 3´UTRs

Description

CEITEC is a scientific centre in the fields of life sciences, advanced materials and technologies whose aim is to establish itself as a recognized centre for basic as well as applied research. CEITEC offers a state-of-the-art infrastructure and great conditions to employ excellent researchers.

Our institute values diversity and promotes an inclusive working environment with the aim to support the best scientists. CEITEC MU is a proud holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission. (http://muni.ceitec.cz/en/hr-strategy-hrs4r/)

Project information:

The non-coding part of the genome vastly increased from worm to humans while the number of protein-coding genes remained constant. This expansion includes 3’UTRs of mRNAs with an average length of 1.2 kb in humans and functions in mRNA transport, translational control and mRNA decay. Despite the importance of 3’UTRs for spatial and temporal control of gene expression, the molecular basis of 3’UTR functions is largely unknown. We will determine complexes of 3’UTR signals with Staufen1 protein and the ribosome which regulate mRNA stability and control translation. Using integrative structural biology approaches, including NMR spectroscopy and cryo-EM, we will unravel the molecular basis of Staufen-mediated 3’UTR functions in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and thus provide new insights into how deregulation can lead to diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.

Requirements:

• PhD in molecular biology, RNA/protein biochemistry and biophysics
• We are looking for highly motivated researchers with a strong background or interest in structural biology who share our fascination for RNA/protein structure and function
• Previous research published in impactful journals in the field, corresponding to given stage of career demonstrating creativity and scientific quality
• Good English language – spoken and written

Desirable but not required:

• Motivated person with collaborative mind set
• Willingness to engage in the life of academic community

We offer:

• Interesting position in a dynamically expanding research institute
• An attractive salary and benefits package
• Background of a recognized and successful institution with supportive and international working environment
• Environment promoting interdisciplinarity and intersect orality of research
• In house core facilities
• Support of administrative departments (including grant office service)
• Support with the relocation process (welcome office service)
• 6 weeks of paid holiday

Anticipated start date: Negotiable

Please send application (including CV, short statement of research background/ interests

and the contact information of at least three references) by email to: peter.lukavsky@ceitec.muni.cz

Please quote the “Postdoc IN INTEGRATIVE STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY OF 3´UTRS” in the subject.

Electronic application deadline is: December 31st, 2019

Information about Brno, Czech Republic

• The capital of South Moravian Region and the second largest city in the Czech Republic with a population of almost 400,000 people
• Modern, dynamic and fast growing centre of industry, trade, science, research and innovation with business incubators and centres of excellence in science
• A city of universities with more than 86,000 students
• More than 10,000 researchers; 2,200 IF publications/year; 600+ PhD graduates/year,
• 500 mil. EUR of R&D investment per year, more than 350 companies with in-house R&D,
• City of Gregor Mendel, the founder of genetics; the prestigious Mendel Lectures series takes place in Brno since 2003 (lectures of the world´s top scientists, including Nobel Prize winners),
• Quality of life index in 2016

For further information about:

• CEITEC, please visit www.ceitec.eu
• CEITEC Welcome Office, please visit https://www.ceitec.eu/welcome-office/t9794
• Masaryk University, please visit www.muni.cz
• Brno, please visit http://www2.brno.cz/index.php?lan=en&nav01=20608&nav02=20617