Postdoc in Structural Evolutionary Biology

Institute of Parasitology

Employment contract

Would you like to perform research at the intersection of structural biology and evolutionary science? Are you interested to explore unique features of molecular machines fundamental for existence of life, such as ribosomes or ATP synthase? Do you want to study what drives, allows or constrains their evolution? Join our group of Evolution of Molecular Machines at the Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Science, as a postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Evolutionary Biology.
 

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our team. The successful candidate will contribute to projects exploring the structure, function and evolution of molecular complexes in endosymbiotic organelles, with focus on non-model unicellular organisms. This role offers a unique opportunity to utilize advanced computational and experimental approaches, including cryoEM and spatial proteomics, to understand the evolutionary mechanisms and structural adaptations of protein complexes in endosymbiotic organelles.

The position is funded by the OP JAC project RNA for therapy.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Conduct independent research on the structural evolution of protein complexes in endosymbiotic organelles
•    Employ cryoEM and spatial proteomics to study protein structures and analyze evolutionary data
•    Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including biologists, bioinformaticians, and biophysicists
•    Present research findings at national and international conferences
•    Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals

Requirements:
•    Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related field
•    Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work both independently and in a team
•    Good communication skills in English
•    Decent publication record

We seek for candidates experienced in the following approaches:
•    Purification of proteins and macromolecular complexes and cryoEM or other method of structural biology
•    Computational biology and protein modeling
•    Molecular evolution and phylogenetic analysis

We Offer:
•    A stimulating research environment of an established institution and a young team
•    Highly collaborative research (collaborators in USA, Finland, China, Germany...)
•    Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
•    Competitive salary and benefits package
•    The opportunity to live and work in the picturesque city of Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemia, with rich history, cultural heritage, and   vibrant academic community (a joint campus of university, five institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences)
 

Other employment benefits:
• 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
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
• Campus-based daycare for employees‘ children from the age of 1 year

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.

To apply, please submit the following documents:
1.    Cover letter outlining your research interests and career goals.
2.    Curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications.
3.    Contact information for three professional references.
4.    A brief summary of your previous research (max. 1 page).

Preferably combine all this information into a single PDF file and send via the REPLY button below.

For more information about this position, please contact Ondřej Gahura at gahura@paru.cas.cz.

Join our Laboratory of Evolution of Molecular Machines at the Institute of Parasitology and contribute to research on the structure and evolution of complexes in endosymbiotic organelles. We look forward to your application!