Department: Robert Vácha Research Group – Central European Institute of Technology
Deadline: 1 Dec 2021
Start date: negotiable

Antimicrobial peptides and their key properties for membrane permeation Open Postdoc position

Description of project

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can disrupt the membrane barrier function and kill bacteria, including resistant bacteria recognized by the UN and WHO as one of the biggest threats to global health. AMPs are part of the host-defense system of many organisms and promising candidates to become a new class of therapeutics. The aim of this project is to design new peptides that disrupt the membranes of pathogens. To obtain such peptides, we will establish the relationship between peptide sequence motifs and their ability to disrupt bacterial membranes. This ERC funded project will be complemented by experiments providing verification and feedback of membrane disruption. The main tool will be Molecular dynamics simulations with free energy calculations using Gromacs program package.

A postdoc position is available in the Robert Vácha lab (vacha.ceitec.cz; CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic). We are seeking a person with expertise in computer simulations of proteins or membranes and experience with all-atom or Martini models. Research will be conducted at CEITEC located in the life science campus of Masaryk University (Brno, Bohunice, https://www.ceitec.eu/).

Requirements:

• PhD in computational biophysics/chemistry/physics and related fields
• Theoretical knowledge of Molecular Dynamics
• Some years of work experience in simulations with proteins/membranes and their analysis
• Published in impactful journals in the field, corresponding to given stage of career demonstrating creativity and scientific quality
• Good English language – spoken and written
• Motivated person with collaborative mind set

We offer:

• Team environment of excellent scientists
• In house core facilities
• Background of a recognized and successful institution with supportive and international working environment
• Environment promoting interdisciplinarity research
• Support of administrative departments (including grant office service)
• Support with the relocation process (welcome office service)
• An attractive salary and benefits package
• 6 weeks of paid holiday

Anticipated start date: Negotiable

Application including CV, a brief motivation letter and contacts for referees should be sent by e-application available on https://www.muni.cz/o-univerzite/kariera-na-mu/volna-mista/65659.

In case of any questions about job offer, please contact: Robert Vácha (robert.vacha@ceitec.muni.cz).

In case of any troubles with filling the e-application, please contact: Veronika Slezáková (veronika.slezakova@ceitec.muni.cz).

Electronic application deadline is 1 December 2021. 

Institute

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/)

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),
• Top score in Quality of life index in 2020

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