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.