Molecular Modeler

Institute of Plant Molecular Biology

Plant Cell Morphogenesis

Employment contract

The newly established Laboratory of Plant Cell Morphogenesis at the Institute of Plant Molecular Biology is seeking a Molecular Modeler to join our team. Our research explores the dynamics of plasma membrane channels, with a particular focus on how plants use calcium channels to orchestrate stress responses.

We have made significant breakthroughs in this area, and our work would greatly benefit from complementary computational approaches. We are therefore looking for a skilled researcher to apply all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to investigate membrane proteins and protein complexes, providing mechanistic insights and predictive models to guide experiments.

If you're excited about pioneering research at the intersection of computational and experimental biology, we encourage you to apply!

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building all-atom and coarse-grained models of large transmembrane protein complexes
• Using AlphaFold to gain structural insights
• Predicting interaction interfaces
• Performing simulations remotely via the CESNET infrastructure

Competitive candidates will:

• Have a strong foundation in cell biology, including membrane potential, ion fluxes, and lipid bilayer properties
• Demonstrate experience with molecular dynamics simulations
• Be proficient in command-line environments, Linux, and Python
• Possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
• Be comfortable working largely remotely
• Be open to training opportunities and internships to broaden their expertise

• 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 and student benefits
• 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
• Access to accommodation in dormitories at the campus shared by the BC and the USB
• 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.

If interested in this opportunity, send us a motivation letter and your structured CV via the REPLY button below.