Postdoc position: Neuroscience – Ion Channels (Dr. Norbert Weiss)

January 18, 2019

Position
We are seeking to hire a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join the team “Ion Channels & Diseases” at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague, Czech Republic. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to address several aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating lowvoltage-activated T-type calcium channels and their implication in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, pain, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For additional information regarding our research see theweisslab.com.
The candidate will benefit from modern instrumentation including a patch clamp electrophysiology setup, efficient cell culture facility, as well as all the equipment necessary for regular molecular biology (PCR, mutagenesis, etc…) and biochemistry (western blot, pull down, etc…).

Requirements
The candidate must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and prior experience with patch clamp electrophysiology. Experience with primary neuronal cell culture, basic molecular biology and biochemistry technics, or confocal imaging microscopy will be an added advantage.

Start date: March 1, 2019

To Apply:
Please send a short cover letter describing your scientific interests, a CV with list of publications, and the contact information for two references to Norbert Weiss (weiss@uochb.cas.cz)

Two Postdoctoral Associates in Electron Transfer Research (2 years)

January 9, 2019

Two postdoctoral associate positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Tomáš Slanina at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague), Czech Republic. IOCB is a renowned interdisciplinary scientific institute with a blend of highly qualified and innovative organic and theoretical chemists, biologists and biochemists 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. Slanina’s lab (http://www.uochb.cz/slanina) is to develop methods for reversible electron transfer governed by light with the ultimate goal of this methodology for novel molecular electronic devices and smart materials. Dr. Slanina has obtained his postdoctoral research experience in several laboratories in Germany, Sweden and France working in the field of organic photochemistry, photoredox catalysis, chemical biology and optogenetics and theoretical photophysics. Dr. Slanina’s laboratory is further focused on photoactivatable compounds, stable organic radicals, redox-driven molecular switches and reversible photochemical reactions.

We are looking for postdoctoral associates with background in (at least one, preferably several): organic synthesis, photochemistry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry. Also considered will be scientists from other areas that will be able to contribute to this project or bring in a new relevant expertise. We are looking for creative, imaginative, independent and highly-motivated applicants with experience in synthetic, analytical and spectroscopic methods and techniques and strong publication record. Knowledge of materials science (surface modification, polymer chemistry) and/or computational chemistry is a plus. Excellent knowledge in English, both written and oral, is a must. For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a Ph.D. exam or an international equivalent.

Position will be initially funded for 2 years with a possibility of extension. Dr. Slanina’s lab is very well funded by institutional support and national research grant. Selected postdocs will enjoy many of the benefits that the Institute provides.

The starting date is April 2019.

The application should be written in English and include: Letter of motivation, with a short description of your research interests; a CV including a description of relevant skills and experiences, as well as a full publication list; a copy of your degree diploma and any other relevant official transcripts or documents you wish to provide in support of your application; and names and contact information of three persons who can provide a letter of reference in support of your application, with a short description of how these individuals are professionally related to you. The applications should be submitted until January 31, 2019 via e-mail to slanina@uochb.cas.cz.

Analytical chemist, specialist in HPLC/MS - Mass Spectrometry Group of IOCB

January 3, 2019

Job Description

• Collaboration on scientific projects of the Institute, communication with scientists who demand analytical expertise
• Development of HPLC/MS methods for solving specific analytical problems, mostly quantification of low concentrations of organic substances using a triple quadrupole
• Sample measurement, data evaluation, results reporting
• Operation and maintenance of the LC/MS system (ExionLC / Qtrap6500, SCIEX)

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in science or technology
• Basic knowledge of HPLC and mass spectrometry (experience with LC/MS is an advantage)
• Independence, reliability, diligence and accountability
• Ability to communicate in English

Offer

• Interesting work in a friendly team
• Training on modern mass spectrometers
• Five weeks holiday, three sick-days
• Contributions to pension insurance, benefits for culture and sport

Starting date: March 1, 2019 (negotiable)

Contact:
Assoc. Prof. Josef Cvacka, Ph.D., Head of Mass Spectrometry Group
☎ +420 220 183 303; +420 731 447 868, E-mail: josef.cvacka@uochb.cas.cz

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