Postdoctoral Position in Photosynthesis Research

We are looking for an independent postdoctoral researcher with an interest in the function of photosynthetic membranes, light harvesting proteins, photoprotection and associated topics in photosynthesis of algae and plants. Work will involve purification of photosynthetic proteins (including cultivation of model organisms) and use of optical absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy methods to analyze the regulatory mechanisms involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis.

- Candidates should have at maximum of 7 years after PhD (no earlier than in 2014 with the exception of the maternity leave and long-term illness) in the area of Biochemistry, Biophysics, Plant Physiology or other related fields. - Candidates that worked in the Czech Republic for the past two or more years are excluded. - Familiarity with or willingness to learn and use biochemical methods in membrane protein and pigment purifications are a prerequisite as the candidate is expected to actively participate in our ongoing research centered around light harvesting and photoprotection in algal light-harvesting systems, with particular focus on the group of fucoxanthin and violaxanthin-binding complexes (diatoms, Emiliania huxleyi, eustigmatophytes). Familiarity with at least part of our recent work is thus also expected. - Independence and strong motivation to pursue novel research directions within the thematical and methodological scope of our team is expected and establishment of novel methodological approaches will be encouraged. - Due to the scope of our existing methods the candidate is expected to provide a brief outline of the prospective research direction or methodology in which he/she is the most interested in. Interested candidates are invited to consult with us before submitting the final proposal.

- 5 weeks of holiday per year - Health insurance - Subsidised lunch canteen - Friendly international working environment

The position is offered under the mobility project MEMOVA of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The successful applicant will be collaborating with Dr. Radek Litvin and Dr. David Bina and other members of our group at the Department of Photosynthesis. We are a vertically integrated lab equipped with facilities for cultivation of photosynthetic microorganism and plants, a full set of biochemical purification methods and an array of optical spectroscopy methods for sample characterization. Our methods include HPLC for pigment analyses, 2D-electrophoresis, and steady-state and state of the art time-resolved absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopies. Our group forms a part of a freely associated cluster of laboratories engaged in research covering essentially all aspects of pigment, protein and pigment-protein complexes' biochemistry and photophysics. Access to advanced methods such as ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, (cryo-)electron microscopy or single-molecule spectroscopy is available through on-campus collaborations. We have extensive experience with cultivation and analysis of various non-model algae and bacteria and obtaining purified photosynthetic apparatus components from these. The offered position is for 2 years. Extension of contract is possible with an opportunity for development of fully independent research direction. The BC CAS is a holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award. Our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating and fair. For more information about the researchers recruitment policy at our institution, see www.bc.cas.cz/en/about-us/employment/. Applicants are requested to submit a motivation letter, curriculum vitae via the "REPLY" button below.