Ph.D. position in Biochemistry

We are seeking a motivated individual who is willing to accept the challenge of innovative research at the interface biochemistry, protein chemistry and biology of insulin and insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF- and IGF-2) and their analogues.

This program should provide understanding of the structural basis for the different cellular responses, metabolic and mitogenic, generated by insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-2, respectively. Successful applicant for this Ph.D. position will primarily explore structure-activity relationship of insulin and IGF hormones with the chemical and recombinant synthesis of hormones analogues, receptor binding and functional assays altogether with a contribution towards physicochemical characterization of analogues. Receptor selective insulin, IGF-1 or IGF-2 agonists or antagonists could find applications in treatment of diabetes or cancer.

Applicant must have MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry or a closely related discipline. Basic oral and written communication skills in English are required. Position is available for at least 3 years starting from October 1st 2018 and will be funded by a recently awarded Medical Research Council grant (MRC, United Kingdom). The deadline for the enrolment for a PhD study at the Faculty of Sciences of the Charles University in Prague is on April 30, 2019. Before this date, the candidate can work on the same topic in our laboratory as a Research assistant.

Interested person should contact Dr. Jiří Jiráček, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 542/2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic, ☎ (+420) 220 183 441, e-mail: jiracek@uochb.cas.cz.

Two postdoc positions Czech Republic

Two postdoc positions are available in Prof. Michal Hocek group starting from January 2018 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The candidates will join an international multidisciplinary team of the Joint Laboratory of Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry of Nucleic Acids of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB), Czech Academy of Sciences and the Charles University in Prague. The projects will involve the design and synthesis of modified nucleotides and nucleic acids and development of new aptamers. The positions are available for the period of 2 years.

Requirements: The applicant should hold a Ph.D. (in organic chemistry or biochemistry) for less than 6 years and should have a well-established experience in organic, bioorganic, biomolecular or medicinal chemistry or biochemistry. The candidate is required to have the ability to do independent scientific work as well as good proficiency in spoken and written English.

How to apply: Please submit cover letter, CV, list of publications and 3 reference letters by e-mail to: (hocek@uochb.cas.cz).

Applications will be reviewed and considered until the positions are filled.