Job Opening in Immunology

December 3, 2018

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative scientist with expertise in immunology to support our internal program focused on the identification of novel STING/TMEM173 ligands.

Job Description
In a collaboration with our international partner, we are involved in biological characterization of novel STING agonists prepared by our Medicinal Chemistry Department. The activation of this pattern recognition receptor results in the stimulation of the host innate immune system, and it is believed that STING represents a good target for drug discovery efforts aiming to treat cancer. The successful candidate will be a member of a multidisciplinary team and be involved in our efforts to target STING agonists to antigen presenting cells (via e.g antibody drug conjugates etc.). He or she will be involved with design and conducting key immunological in vivo and in vitro studies. He or she will be performing multiplex ELISA assays, and study the effect of agonists on different population of immune cells in vitro and in vivo, and evaluate STING-dependent signaling in murine and human cells. The candidate will also have an opportunity to perform research focused on expanding our understanding of STING biology. Attractive salary and an opportunity to work with clinical candidates developed in Czechia.

Requirements
Applicant must have PhD in immunology. An extensive knowledge of standard immunological techniques including isolation and culturing of primary cells, lymphoproliferative assays, cell-based functional assays, and immune phenotyping by multi-parameter FACS analysis is required. Experience with animal models and performing in vivo experiments is an advantage. Good oral and written communication skills in English are required as well as the ability to work independently. Position is for 36 months starting from now with possible extension.

Please submit your resume and contact information by e-mail to: gabriel.birkus@uochb.cas.cz

Contacts: Gabriel Birkuš
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS;
Flemingovo n. 542/2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic

Postdoctoral Associate in Cancer Research (2-5 years)

November 28, 2018

Postdoctoral associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Zuzana Keckesova at IOCB Prague. IOCB is a renowned interdisciplinary scientific institute with a blend of highly qualified and innovative chemists, biologists, biochemists and biophysicists that engage in frequent fruitful collaborations. It has developed a well-refined infrastructure with many excellent core facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.

The aim of Dr. Keckesova's lab is to identify and characterize new tumor suppressor pathways and circuitries in human cells with the ultimate goal of translating this new knowledge into therapeutic use. Dr. Keckesova is a recent postdoc alumna of Whitehead Institute, MIT (USA) where she worked in the lab of Dr. Robert Weinberg. Dr. Keckesova’s lab is researching tissues/cell types that rarely undergo tumorigenesis. These are the cellular models that already found a way to battle cancer and can teach us valuable lessons about tumor suppressor circuitries that can be used in our fight against cancer.

We are looking for postdoctoral associates with a background in: cancer biology, molecular biology, biochemistry. Scientists from other areas who will be able to contribute to this project or bring in a new relevant expertise will be considered as well. We are looking for creative, imaginative, independent and highly-motivated applicants with experience in molecular biology/biochemistry methods and techniques. Bioinformatics and/or animal facility handling skills are a plus. Good English speaking skills are necessary. The institute is multinational and is also run in English. The position will be initially for 2 years with a possibility of extending to 5 years. Dr. Keckesova's lab is very well funded. Selected postdocs will enjoy many of the benefits that the Institute provides. Starting date is flexible (anytime in 2019).

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter, CV including names and contact information of two references and a brief description of their research experience via e-mail to zuzana.keckesova@uochb.cas.cz.