Ph.D. student in Biochemistry: Prague, Czech Republic

Ph.D. project: Towards molecular separation of metabolic and mitogenic effects of insulin and IGF-2

Insulin and Insulin-like growth factors-1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) are related protein hormones or growth factors, which control metabolism, growth and aging of cells in many type of mammalian tissues. Whereas insulin affects mainly metabolism of saccharides, proteins and lipids, IGF-1/2 mainly promote proliferation of cells and their differentiation. Insulin and IGF-1/2 have similar primary sequences and 3D structures as well, and it allows overlapping of their physiological effects. The disturbance of regulation, but also the overlapping of signalization of insulin and IGFs can lead to development of various diseases, such as diabetes or cancer.

The aim of the study is using IGF-2 analogues to clarify the significance of specific IGF-2 amino acids in different binding to particular receptors and its different responses. Analogues will be prepared recombinantly in E.coli. Further, the binding affinities of analogues to respective receptors will be measured and these biological features will be correlated with their analogue structures determined either by crystallography or NMR.

Requirements: We are looking for applicants with MSc. (or equivalent) in biochemistry (applicants about to finish their M.Sc. in 2016 are also welcome). Independence, motivation, reliability and good oral and written communication skill in English is required.

How to apply: Please submit CV by e-mail to: zakova@uochb.cas.cz.

Contact:
Lenka Žáková, Ph.D.
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, v.v.i.
Flemingovo nám 542/2
166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic,
✉: zakova@uochb.cas.cz.

Postdoctoral position in Biochemistry/Protein Chemistry: Prague, Czech Republic

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is willing to accept the challenge of cutting edge research at the interface biochemistry/protein chemistry of insulin and IGF analogues.

Job Description: This program could provide understanding of the structural basis for the different cellular responses - metabolic and mitogenic - generated by insulin, IGF-I and IGF-II, respectively. This effort could also result in IR-B or IR-A selective insulins or IGF-1R selective IGFs or IGF-1R antagonists. Such molecules could find applications in treatment of diabetes or cancer. Successful applicant for this postdoc position will be an outstanding self-driven person who will primarily explore the total chemical synthesis of insulin and IGF-I analogues and receptor-binding assays of the analogues altogether with a contribution towards physicochemical characterization of analogues. Experience with a recombinant production of proteins would be appreciated.

Requirements: Applicant must have Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry or a closely related discipline. The candidates must be a first author on at least 2-3 publications. This position requires prior experience in biochemistry and protein/peptide chemistry techniques. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required as well as the ability to conduct independent scientific investigations.

Start date:Position is for 15 months starting from August 1st 2016 with possible extension.

How to apply: Please submit cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2-3 references combined into one PDF file by e-mail to: jiracek@uochb.cas.cz.

Contacts:
Jiří Jiráček, Ph.D.
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, v.v.i.
Flemingovo nám 542/2
166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic,
✉: jiracek@uochb.cas.cz.

Postdoctoral position in Biochemistry/Structural Biology: Prague, Czech Republic

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is willing to accept the challenge of cutting edge research at the interface biochemistry/structural biology of G-quadruplexes.

Job Description: This project is focused mainly at c-myc G-quadruplex and will also involve evaluation of small molecule ligands using techniques of biochemistry/molecular biology. Successful applicant for this postdoc position will be an outstanding self-driven person who will primarily explore the crystallizations of promoter G-quadruplexes with small molecule ligands. The aim is to elucidate molecular details of their interaction. Innovative crystallization approaches will be pursued. Located in the stunning city of Prague, our research facilities comprise a state-of-the-art instrumentation portfolio.

Requirements: Applicant must have Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry or a closely related discipline. The candidates must be a first author on at least 2-3 publications. This position requires prior experience in biochemistry and structural biology techniques. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required as well as the ability to conduct independent scientific investigations. Position is for one year with possible extension.

How to apply: Please submit cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2-3 references combined into one PDF file by e-mail to: teply@uochb.cas.cz and rezacova@uochb.cas.cz

Contacts:
Filip Teplý, Ph.D. and Pavlína Řezáčová, Ph.D.
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, v.v.i.
Flemingovo nám. 542/2
166 10 Prague 6
Czech Republic
✉: teply@uochb.cas.cz / rezacova@uochb.cas.cz

Ph.D. position in organic chemistry: Prague, Czech Republic

A Ph.D. position in organic chemistry is offered at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague. The project deals with the development of new domino processes and their application in the total synthesis of natural products.

Requirements: The applicant should have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in organic chemistry, a very good theoretical and practical background in organic synthesis and an expertise in structure elucidation of organic compounds. Will be motivated and have good oral and written English communication skills.

Salary: Annual salary 12.000 USD.

Additional Info: The applicant will work in an excellent European institute with state of the art facilities in an international group of Ph.D. students and postdocs. Prague offers a stimulating atmosphere to accomplish the goals and is an excellent place to live.

How to apply: Please send your CV, graduation certificates and transcript of records to:

Dr. Ullrich Jahn
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, v.v.i.
Flemingovo nam. 542/2
16610 Prague 6
Czech Republic
☎: (+420) 220 183 219
✉: jahn@uochb.cas.cz.

Ph.D. position in Medicinal Chemistry

Ph.D. position is available in Dr. Radim Nencka group to carry out an interdisciplinary research focused on structure-based design and synthesis of inhibitors targeting essential enzymes involved in phospholipid metabolism. This research project will be performed in close collaboration with biochemists, structural biologists and virologists with the ultimate goal being a selection of a clinical candidate for further drug development. The work will be performed at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i. in Prague, in broad international collaboration with partners from prestigious academic institutions and industry.

Requirements: We are looking for highly motivated applicants with MSc. (or equivalent) in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy or related field (applicants about to finish their M.Sc. in 2016 are also welcome). This position requires extensive theoretical knowledge in organic chemistry and practical experience in organic synthesis. Experience with the analysis of organic compounds by NMR, MS and HPLC is highly desirable. Furthermore, excellent oral and written communication skill in English is required.

How to apply: Please submit motivation letter, CV, and contact information for 1-2 references combined into one PDF file by e-mail to: nencka@uochb.cas.cz. Closing date for applications is March 20th 2016. The expected start of the Ph.D. program is September 2016.

Contact:
Radim Nencka, Ph.D.
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, v.v.i.
Flemingovo náměstí 542/2
166 10 Prague 6
Czech Republic

Postdoctoral Fellow - Josef Lazar Research Team (Advanced Microscopy Techniques)

Preferably a molecular biologist, but can be from a related field (biochemistry, biophysics, physiology, structural biology, cell biology). Previous experience with fluorescence imaging and/or structural biology is welcome. A successful candidate will be developing and using genetically encoded optical probes of molecular processes taking place in living cells and organisms, by applying tools of molecular and structural biology. Most of the genetically encoded probes will be taking advantage of two-photon polarization microscopy, a novel imaging technique developed by our lab (Lazar & al., Nature Methods 2011; U.S. patent 8,643,177). The main areas of interest are GPCR/G-protein signaling and voltage/calcium signaling, but other processes may be explored as well.

The laboratory strives to perform cutting edge research at the interface of biology, chemistry and physics. The research is well funded and the salary is competitive. The IOCB is a top research institute in the Czech Republic. It is located in a nice part of the beautiful city of Prague.

Work description: Molecular Imaging
Anticipated commencement: Spring 2016
Duration of employment: 2 years, possibly more
Education required: Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, or a related field
Experience required: techniques of molecular biology, fluorescence imaging

Candidates please contact Dr. Josef Lazar (josef.lazar@uochb.cas.cz)

Organic Chemist/ Research assistant

Pheromone Structure Elucidation by Total Synthesis.
In a one-year limited project, the structure of an insect pheromone should be established by organic synthesis. Several targeted structures will be synthesized by multistep organic synthesis. The targeted structures will be analyzed in collaboration with respect to their biological effectivity.

Main requirements

• Mgr. or Ing. in organic chemistry
• Excellent knowledge of organic chemistry
• Experience in Organic Synthesis
• Good written and communication skills in English language
• Flexibility, devotion, team work ability

Additional Info: The position is for one year.

Contact: For additional information or recommending a candidate please contact Dr. Ullrich Jahn directly (ullrich.jahn@uochb.cas.cz); ☎: (+420) 220 183 219.