08. 01. 2024
Mikrobiologický ústav AV ČR, v. v. i. vyhlašuje v souladu se zákonem č. 283/1992 Sb. o Akademii věd České republiky, ve znění zákona č. 420/2005 Sb. a Stanov AV ČR výběrové řízení na pozici PhD student in Laboratory of cellular and molecular immunology.

PhD student in Laboratory of cellular and molecular immunology

Laboratory of cellular and molecular immunology seeks a highly motivated PhD student interested in a fascinating field of host-microbe interactions (subject area immunology).

 

About the project:

The aim of the project is to uncover the effects of diet-environment interactions between host and microbiome on nutrition and health. In addition to local processes, the effects of the composition of the animal gut microbiome on epithelial barrier function and distal organs such as the brain as well as on the development and function of the mammalian immune system will be investigated. The use of gnotobiotic experimental models allows precise control over the composition and activity of the microbiome and provides the unique opportunity to establish causal relationships between putative signaling microbial compounds. This project is part of the “Program Johannes Amos Comenius: INTERMICRO – Talking to microbes (1.1.2024 – 30.6.2028)”.

 

Job description:

The student will mainly perform experiments in vivo (laboratory mice) and in vitro (cell and tissue culture) aimed at deciphering the mechanisms of the mucosal immune response. The project requires active work with experimental mice - the course required by Czech law is offered in the first year of study. A small part of the project will require work with tissue and cell cultures. The applicant should have strong knowledge of the basic mechanisms of immune system functioning and immunological methods. In addition to animal models of inflammation and cancer, the project will include immunological methods (flow cytometry, ELISA, fluorescence microscopy) and molecular (micro)biology (e.g. PCR and RT-PCR, preparation of libraries for microbiota sequencing). Other tasks include data analysis, manuscript preparation and active participation in the preparation of publications and presentation of data. It is possible to start work before being accepted to the PhD program. However, the prerequisite is that the candidate passes the entrance exam and is accepted into the study program in October 2024 at the latest. This requires to submit the PhD study application before April and pass the entrance exam in June 2024.

 

Requirements:

• MSc (or equivalent) in Immunology

• Ability to actively participate in a research program

• High levels of motivation and creativity

• Excellent communication skills and teamwork

• English, written and spoken – fluent

 

Candidate profile:

We are looking for motivated, hard-working and bright PhD student with strong background in immunology, holding MSc. degree in immunology, microbiology or molecular and cell biology. The scientific focus on mucosal immunology, host microbe interaction and previous experience of work with laboratory mice is a bonus. The candidate should be able and prepared to work with murine models of human diseases (inflammation and cancer) and communicate in English (spoken and written). The candidate should be a team-player and willing to work with other lab members and international collaborators.

 

What we offer:

• One year full time contract, with the possibility of extension for the entire duration of the project

• Excellent scientific background and professional growth

• Well supported project –both in terms of personnel (full-time contract) and material (budget)

• Friendly and supportive environment in a state-of-the-art facility

• A well-developed network of cooperating laboratories and institutions at home and abroad

• Two canteens available on campus

 

Starting date of the work: June, 2024 at the latest

Starting date of PhD program: October 2024 at the latest

Tutor: Miloslav Kverka, MD., PhD.

 

Workplace location: Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 00, Prague, Czech Republic.

 

Application documents:

Professional CV, letter of motivation, letter of recommendation from a mentor or project leader including their contact details.

Please send the required documents in electronic form for further processing and selection of applicants for a personal or online interview to the email address: kverka@biomed.cas.cz

 

Application deadline: February 29, 2024

Uzávěrka přihlášek: 29. 02. 2024