Postdoc in Plant Molecular Biology

Institute of Plant Molecular Biology

Employment contract

Institute of Plant Molecular Biology (https://www.umbr.cas.cz/en/), Biology Centre CAS, Czechia, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join a new research group.

We are establishing a cutting-edge Laboratory of Plant Cell Morphogenesis, dedicated to exploring the intricate mechanisms underlying the polarity and growth of highly shaped plant cells, such as trichoblasts. Our primary focus is on understanding how plant cells determine their top and bottom sides (apical and basal membranes) and the pivotal role of polarity in protein and structure localization. We've achieved a remarkable breakthrough – the development of a novel plant line capable of producing root hairs in unexpected locations! With this groundbreaking discovery, we aim to use this line, aptly named "HIM" (Root Hair In the Middle), as a model to unravel the mysteries of planar cell polarity and its connection to endomembrane dynamics and polarity regulation.

Be part of the team that pioneers this frontier of plant cell biology! 

Competitive candidates
• have international research experience;
• display competitive CV and track record;
• display independent thinking, and a passion for science;
• display an excellent knowledge of spoken and written English;
• have their own original/innovative research ideas;
• are able to work independently, to plan independently experiments and to organise all their laboratory and office work;
• are able to learn and master the basic methods, tools, approaches, and laboratory devices connected to the project;
• are able to keep a laboratory journal, to share all generated data with the advisor, and to archive all data on a shared disk;
• are able to collect data, to analyse data, to interpret data, and to present data;
• are open to apply for fellowships and grants (e.g. MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship, etc.);
• are able to present research results at seminars and conferences;
• are able to write manuscripts including methods, results, conclusions, figures, and tables;
• are able to advise secondary school student interns; to co-advise bachelor and master students;
• are able to discuss the research topic in a broader perspective and context;
• are able to explain research topic to the public, are willing to participate in outreach activities;
• are willing to attend workshops and training courses for postdocs to strengthen their knowledge and skills;
• are motivated to contribute to the development of life sciences and the research environment at Biology Centre

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Standard health insurance and social security
• Benefits from Social fund
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
• English speaking, 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
• Opportunity for lifelong learning and professional growth
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
• Campus-based daycare for employees‘ children from the age of 1 year

We offer full time position for two years (between 2024-2025) with possibility of extension. Tentative starting date (negotiable) on 01 April 2024.

The Biology Centre is located 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) and the University of South Bohemia (USB). 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.

Please submit your (1) motivation letter (max 2 pages), (2) structured CV including contacts of two referees (max 4 pages), and (3) PhD diploma via the REPLY button below by 17 March 2024 23:59 CET.
All documents in the application should be in English. Interviews with selected applicants will be held after the application deadline.

Informal inquiries can be directed via email to ivan.kulich@umbr.cas.cz