PhD Position in Molecular Parasitology

Institute of Parasitology

Molecular Parasitology

Laboratory of RNA Biology of Protists

Employment contract

Biology Centre CAS, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic opens a PhD position for the Laboratory of RNA Biology of Protists at the Institute of Parasitology.

Our group studies various aspects of RNA biology of protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei and related flagellates. In these early evolved unicellular organisms gene expression is regulated mostly post-transcriptionally. Consequently, post-transcriptional processing of RNA is of a great importance in order to regulate the complex life cycles of these pathogens. Research in our group focuses on processes such as tRNA maturation, nuclear export/import and tRNA modifications in trypanosomes, but also stop codon reassignment. Our long term goal is the identification of unique RNA metabolism. We believe these novel mechanisms can result in applications in RNA therapies for human genetic diseases caused by the occurrence of premature termination codons.

More about the lab and its research: http://www.paru.cas.cz/en/section/molecular-parasitology/laboratory-of-rna-biology-of-protists/

• M.Sc. degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or similar
• Strong interest in basic research and experimental work
• Hands on experience in molecular biology laboratory techniques
• Independent and critical thinking
• English at B2 level, written and spoken
• Experience with cell culture, RNA work, or bioinformatic skills are an advantage, not requirement

We offer you:

• An exciting research project
• Follow up on our recent discovery (Kachale et al., Nature, 2023)
• International and supportive environment
• Research stays in our collaborating laboratories in the EU or USA
• Further financial support

Employment benefits:

• 1 extra week of holiday, i.e. 5 weeks of paid holiday per year in total for 1 FTE
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Standard health insurance and social security
• Benefits from Social fund and student benefits
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
• Friendly & stimulating international working environment
• Work-life balance in a middle-sized university city offering options for outdoor, sport & cultural activities
• Free language classes (Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs)
• Opportunity to take part in mentoring programmes as a mentor or a mentee
• Concessionary mobile tariff and banking services at the contractual operator and bank
• Access to accommodation in dormitories at the campus shared by the Biology Centre and the University of South Bohemia (for PhD students)

The internationally recognized Institute of Parasitology (https://www.paru.cas.cz/en/) at the Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences is dedicated to performing research on human and animal parasites at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. The institute is located on a university campus in České Budějovice (2 hours south of the capital Prague), a middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, over 750 years of tradition and a breathtaking countryside around. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. There is also a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS (BC CAS, https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/) and the University of South Bohemia (USB, https://www.jcu.cz/en/). In addition, the living costs are still low by international standards. Check out our Guide for Expats (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/) to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.

The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences holds the HR Award. Our selection process meets European standards for recruitment of researchers (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/) and we provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support). Gender equality plan (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/about-us/gender-equality/) has been accepted in 2022.

The job status, starting date etc. is to be defined. Further information about the position may be obtained through e-mail: Dr. Zdenek Paris, parda@paru.cas.cz

Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following documents and information via the REPLY button below:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• List of 1-2 referees that can testify about the professional qualities of the candidate
• Letter of intent that explains the reasons for your interest in our laboratory and identifies your most relevant skills or experiences