Department: RECETOX – Faculty of Science
Deadline: 30 Nov 2021
Start date: upon agreement

The Loschmidt Laboratories of protein engineering (https://loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/peg/) are a vibrant environment where key issues related to protein science and molecular design are tackled. Within the frame of a collaborative multidisciplinary research network, we are currently looking for a highly skilled and motivated postdoc to join our structural biology team to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s pathology.

Project description

We will investigate the molecular structures and functions of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease and how newly discovered small-molecule therapeutics can correct their malfunction. The candidate will use molecular biology, biochemistry and structural biology methods such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy/tomography to unravel the molecular principles of amyloid-β oligomers formation.

For more information, please contact Martin Marek at martin.marek@recetox.muni.cz

Selected publications

• Nature Communications 12: 3616 (2021)
  • Chem 7: 1-14 (2021)
• Chemical Science 11: 11162-11178 (2020)
  • ACS Catalysis 9: 4810-4823 (2019)          
• ACS Catalysis 10: 1210-1223 (2020)
  • J. Am. Chem. Soc. 140: 17999 (2018)

Candidate profile

• Ph.D. degree obtained within past 7 years in molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics or equivalent
• Previous experience with structural biology (crystallography or cryo-EM) appreciated
• Critical mindset, fast learner and team player
• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary project with partners in academia and industry
• Good mastery of English language

Offer

• A stimulating, diverse, international and exceptionally strong research environment
• Opportunity to work with an excellent protein engineering team
• Opportunity to learn state of the art technologies (Talos Artica, Titan Krios, Swiss Light Source)
• Financial support is available for at least 3 years
• The successful candidate is encouraged to obtain a personal fellowship (Marie-Curie, EMBO)
• Support with relocation – more information here: https://www.muni.cz/en/about-us/careers/international-staff-office-iso

How to apply?

Applicants should provide the following information in English

• Detailed CV
• Motivation letter describing research interests and previous research experience
• List of publications and research achievements
• Two letters of recommendation

The deadline for applications is on November 30, 2021. A review of applications will run as they are received and until the position is filled. The shortlisted applicants complying with the requirements will be interviewed.

The application shall be submitted online via an e-application (Please, use the link in the e-Application section below). After submitting your application successfully, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from jobs.muni.cz.

Contact: nevolova.sarka@gmail.com, Šárka Nevolová.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

More about

Masaryk University is the second-largest university in the Czech Republic with nine faculties, more than 5000 staff, and more than 30 000 students. As a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing, our mission is to pursue top-quality research and education.

Faculty of Science MU, a proud holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of Masaryk University, generating around 40 % of MU research results.

Brno, the South Moravian Region capital, situated approximately halfway between Prague and Vienna, is the largest university town in the Czech Republic and a modern metropolis with a long history and culture. Recognizing the university’s significant role in making Brno one of the most innovative cities in the CEE region, it continuously supports the South Moravian Region, the local scientific, start-up, and high-tech communities.

The position is open within the international collaborative H2020 project SinFonia, which aims to produce novel fluorochemicals in a biological way. Materials containing the element fluorine (F) are extremely important in our modern world, with applications in electronics, healthcare, automotive and wearables. Currently these fluorochemicals are exclusively synthesized using chemical methods, something SinFonia wants to change.