Research Technician Position in Structural Parasitology

Job description
A position for a talented research technician is open in Dr Sebastian Zoll‘s structural biology group at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB CAS) in Prague. The group is interested in understanding the structural basis of interaction between surface proteins of eukaryotic parasites and human host factors to provide a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against neglected tropical diseases.
The successful candidate will be closely working together with other members of the team and assist them in various tasks including cloning, protein expression and purification and cell culture maintenance.

Requirements
We are looking for candidates with a B.Sc or M.Sc degree in molecular biology or biochemistry and an interest in structural biology. The successful candidate must be willing to work efficiently as part of a team and have the motivation to acquire further skills and contribute to method development. Practical experience with molecular biology, cloning techniques, protein purification and biochemistry is needed; experience in insect and/or mammalian cell culture is an asset. Good oral and written communication skills in Czech and English or German are a prerequisite. The candidate’s salary will depend on his/her qualifications.

How to apply?
Please send a short motivation letter, a copy of your B.Sc. and/or M.Sc. certificate and a copy of your CV to sebastian.zoll@uochb.cas.cz

Feel free to contact Sebastian for informal enquiries. Dr Sebastian Zoll
Junior Group Leader
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
Czech Academy of Sciences
Flemingovo namesti 542/2, 166 10 Prague 6
Czech Republic
Phone: +420 220 183 591
E-mail: sebastian.zoll@uochb.cas.cz

Recent relevant publications:
Zoll S, Lane-Serff H, Mehmood S, Schneider J, Robinson CV, Carrington M, Higgins MK (2018) The structure of serum resistance-associated protein and its implications for human African trypanosomiasis. Nature Microbiology 3: 295-301

Ph.D. Position in Structural Parasitology

Job description
A position for a talented and motivated PhD student is open in Dr Sebastian Zoll‘s recently established structural biology group at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB CAS) in Prague. The group is interested in understanding the structural basis of interaction between surface proteins of eukaryotic parasites and human host factors to provide a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against neglected tropical diseases.
The successful candidate will be using an integrated structural biology approach including X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering as well as single particle Cryo-EM together with a wide range of biophysical techniques for characterisation of protein-protein/ligand interactions. The position will also include training in the growing field of recombinant antibody and nanobody technology which the candidate will be applying in structural studies as well as in the development of therapeutics.
The project is supported by a multidisciplinary network of international collaborators and provides excellent opportunities to receive additional training in foreign host institutions.

The institute and the city
IOCB CAS in Prague is the leading scientific research institution in the Czech Republic providing a dynamic, international environment that brings together researchers from various fields such as structural biology, molecular biology, medicinal and computational chemistry.
The institute is situated near the city centre in a vibrating, historical quarter of Prague boasting beautiful architecture and a rich array of public amenities such as cafés, pubs, parks and grocery stores. Transport links by metro and tram are excellent with short distances to both airport as well as old town and Letna park with its stunning views over the Vltava river.
Due to its long-standing history in applied science and strong ties with the pharmaceutical industry, IOCB CAS enjoys an excellent funding situation and offers access to facilities for all modern structural and biophysical methods.Bacterial and eukaryotic protein expression platforms are available as well as Mass Spectrometry and NMR facilities and a computing cluster for data processing, structure determination and Rosetta-based protein modelling. A state-of-the-art crystallisation facility contains robotics for 96-well-plate crystallisation and liquid handling, a Rigaku imaging hotel and an X-ray generator equipped with a Pilatus 300K detector. For high-resolution data collection there are also regular trips to European synchrotrons. Furthermore, a 200 keV cryo-electron microscope will become operational within the next 2 years at IOCB CAS. In the meanwhile IOCB CAS researchers enjoy privileged access to the EM facilities (screening microscopes and Titan Krios) at CEITEC.

Requirements
We are looking for candidates with an M.Sc. in biology, biochemistry or a related discipline and a strong interest in structural biology. The successful candidate must be willing to work as part of a team and have the motivation and commitment to design experiments and interpret results independently. Experience in structural biology techniques is not required but familiarity with recombinant protein expression and protein purification will be a plus. Good oral and written communication skills in English are a prerequisite.

How to apply?
Please send a short motivation statement (max. 500 words), a copy of your research thesis and M.Sc. certificate, a copy of your CV and contact information for two references to sebastian.zoll@uochb.cas.cz

Feel free to contact Sebastian for informal enquiries. Dr Sebastian Zoll
Junior Group Leader
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
Czech Academy of Sciences
Flemingovo namesti 542/2, 166 10 Prague 6
Czech Republic
Phone: +420 220 183 591
E-mail: sebastian.zoll@uochb.cas.cz
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Recent relevant publications:
Zoll S, Lane-Serff H, Mehmood S, Schneider J, Robinson CV, Carrington M, Higgins MK (2018) The structure of serum resistance-associated protein and its implications for human African trypanosomiasis. Nature Microbiology 3: 295-301

Junior Group Leader position in Organic Synthesis

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) invites applications for a Junior Group Leader position in organic chemistry with strong emphasis on organic synthesis including total synthesis of natural products or application of synthesis in medicinal chemistry.

This tenure-track position is comparable to an Assistant Professor at a US university, or to a new investigator position at the Max Planck Institutes. IOCB aims to enhance its character as an international research center and applications from all countries are encouraged.

Read more .

Technician Position in Organic Chemistry

Job Description
A chemist position in Targeted Research Group HBV Cure (head Gabriel Birkuš, Ph.D.) is available for a highly motivated and creative scientist with expertise in organic chemistry. The project is focused on the identification of novel cGAS inhibitors.

GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) serves as a sensor of cytosolic dsDNA and plays an essential role in innate immunity against viral/bacterial infection and cellular damage. Upon binding of dsDNA, cGAS synthesizes a cyclic dinucleotide 2’3’cGAMP that serves as a second messenger and initiates an inflammatory cellular response. An uncontrolled activation of the cGAS pathway has been implicated in autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease such as Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Thus, inhibition of cGAS may be of therapeutic benefit in some diseases.

The successful candidate will be a member of a multidisciplinary team and be involved in our efforts to identify novel cGAS inhibitors. He or she will be responsible for the synthesis of target compounds. The candidate will also have a unique opportunity to experience lead optimization process of a drug development. An attractive salary and an opportunity to work with clinical candidates guaranteed.

Requirements
Applicant must have M.Sc. degree in organic chemistry. We are looking for independent applicants with basic knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and standard purification techniques. Good oral and written communication skills in English are required. Position is for 36 months starting from now with possible extension.

Please submit your resume, motivation letter and contact information by e-mail to: ondrej.pav@uochb.cas.cz

Contacts
Ondřej Páv, Ph.D.
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Flemingovo nám. 542/2, 166 10 Praha 6, Czech Republic

Postdoctoral Position in Organic Chemistry

Job Description
A postdoctoral position in Targeted Research Group HBV Cure (head Gabriel Birkuš, Ph.D.) is available for a highly motivated and creative scientist with expertise in organic chemistry. The project is focused on the identification of novel cGAS inhibitors.

GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) serves as a sensor of cytosolic dsDNA and plays an essential role in innate immunity against viral/bacterial infection and cellular damage. Upon binding of dsDNA, cGAS synthesizes a cyclic dinucleotide 2’3’cGAMP that serves as a second messenger and initiates an inflammatory cellular response. An uncontrolled activation of the cGAS pathway has been implicated in autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease such as Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Thus, inhibition of cGAS may be of therapeutic benefit in some diseases.

The successful candidate will be a member of a multidisciplinary team and be involved in our efforts to identify novel cGAS inhibitors. He or she will be responsible for the synthesis of target compounds. The candidate will also have a unique opportunity to experience lead optimization process of a drug development. An attractive salary and an opportunity to work with clinical candidates guaranteed.

Requirements
Applicant must have Ph.D. in organic chemistry. We are looking for independent thinkers with excellent expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, and with knowledge of analytical and spectroscopic methods. Experience in medicinal chemistry is an advantage. Good oral and written communication skills in English are required. Position is for 36 months starting from now with possible extension.

Please submit your resume, motivation letter and contact information by e-mail to: ondrej.pav@uochb.cas.cz

Contacts
Ondřej Páv, Ph.D.
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Flemingovo nám. 542/2, 166 10 Praha 6, Czech Republic

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

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)

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

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)

Contacts
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

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