Selection Procedures

Laboratory of Molecular Physiology of Bone on the Institute of Physiology in Prague, Czech Republic, is seeking a scientist for a position:

Postdoctoral position in Molecular Physiology of Bone

A Postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Michaela Tencerova (Ph.D. at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, Postdoc at University of Massachusetts, Worcester, USA and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark) at the Institute of Physiology (IPHYS) Prague. IPHYS is a leading research institute in the field of normal and pathological physiology. It consists of a number of scientific and service departments and shared equipment for the research (http://www.fgu.cas.cz/en/). IPHYS is also connected with the centers of excellence and is the partner of excellence project BIOCEV (including Mouse genotyping center) carried out jointly with other Academy of Sciences’ institutes and Charles University in Prague.

The research in the laboratory of Dr. Michaela Tencerova (https://www.fgu.cas.cz/en/departments/laboratory-of-molecular-physiology-of-bone) is focused on studying the physiological role of bone marrow adipose tissue in relation to bone and fat metabolism in metabolic complications. The research continues on our previous studies identifying unique metabolic phenotype of bone marrow adipocytes comparing to peripheral adipose tissue in obesity with a focus on specific targets in the regulation of bone marrow homeostasis (Tencerova et al, Cell Reports, 2019; Tencerova et al., Bone Res, 2019; Tencerova et al., JBMR 2018). The successful applicant will work in the international and friendly environment with murine and human cellular systems (bone marrow stromal stem cells) and animal transgenic models applying high-throughput methods such as RNA sequencing, metabolomics, lipidomics, and bioenergetics. The research will be conducted in collaboration with prestige national and international laboratories in USA and Europe.

Requirements:

We are looking for:

• Highly motivated, independent, creative candidates with Ph.D. degree (with up to 8 years from Ph.D.) in molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, medicine, pharmacology or related disciplines,
• advanced experience with molecular biology techniques, in vitro cell culture methods, cloning, CRISPR technology, animal work (metabolic assays, drug administration etc.)
• track record of scientific publications, capability of working in international team, great level of English in written and spoken form

We offer

• Working in international environment
• Competitive salary
• Social benefits (health insurance, contribution to pension, diets, language courses)
• 6 weeks of holiday + 3 sick days

Further information:

The position is available from 1 January 2021 or soon thereafter supported by prestige European grant EFSD. The project duration is two-three years with the possibility for extension.

Application:

Interested candidates can send their motivation letter and CV (including the list of publications) with the names and contact information of two-three references to email: marcela.tomaskova@fgu.cas.cz

Deadline: 30. 11. 2020

The Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic is opening a position in the Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology in the group of Prof. Ladislav Vyklicky M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc. for a position:

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

The postdoctoral position is available for 3 years with a possible extension as a junior scientist.

The main research interest of the laboratory is the structure, function, and pharmacology of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and their role in excitatory synaptic transmission. The goal is to understand how mutations in genes encoding NMDAR subunits described in individuals diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder or epilepsy, affect excitatory signaling and to rectify the impaired function by pharmacological tools. In our research we use mainly electrophysiological (patch-clamp), molecular biology, immunohistochemical, and behavioral methods with the employment of different models. More information about the laboratory profile is available at: https://www.fgu.cas.cz/en/departments/laboratory-of-cellular-neurophysiology.

Annotation of the research project

The research project will focus on the use of single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to study conformational dynamics of individual NMDAR molecules with the aim to bridge the gap between electrophysiological and structural studies. Since smFRET allows conformational readout of transitions between non-conductive states, it provides an ideal method for studying the effect of NMDAR mutations on receptor conformational dynamics and allows identification of exact conformational states in which NMDAR modulators bind and how they affect this conformational space, dynamics, and eventually the NMDAR function.

The successful candidate should have a background in biophysics, neuroscience and pharmacology supported by a strong publication record. He/she will be responsible for independent design of experiments, data acquisition and data analysis. Previous experience in cell cultures, cloning, patch-clamp electrophysiology and smFRET is expected. Basics of Unix and/or Python is a plus.

We offer a competitive monthly salary of 50 000 CZK (approx. 1 800 EUR) with a possible raise based on the candidate's skills and involvement in grant projects.
For further information please contact Marcela Tomášková (Marcela.Tomaskova@fgu.cas.cz).

To apply, please send a letter of interest, a structured CV, a list of publications, photocopies of documents proving the attained level of education, and recommendation letters of two independent academic referees to the following address: marcela.tomaskova@fgu.cas.cz

Applications need to be received by November 30^th 2020.

The Institute of Photonics and Electronics v. v. i., in accordance with the Act No. 283/1992 of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, as amended by the Act No. 420/2005, and in accordance with the Statutes of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position focusing on the development of functional coatings for affinity optical biosensors.

Our research team Optical Biosensors (team leader Prof. Jiří Homola) is currently looking for postdoc research fellow focusing on the development of functional coatings for optical affinity biosensors.

Do you want to use your knowledge and experience in the preparation of functional materials and coatings? Do you want to develop advanced surfaces for investigation of molecular systems, medical diagnostics or environmental monitoring? Are you enthusiastic about multidisciplinary projects in which you can work closely with experts from various disciplines (chemistry, biology, photonics, or microfluidics) and develop new optical biosensors? If your answer is yes, you should apply for this position!

Job description

The selected candidate will carry out research and development of functional coatings for optical affinity biosensors.

Specific tasks include:

• development of advanced functional surfaces (e.g. based on zwitterionic polymers or photoactivatable systems) for affinity biosensors based on photonic micro- and nano-structures,
• preparation and characterization of developed functional surfaces,
• use of functional surfaces for the study of biomolecular interactions and detection of biomolecules related to medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

Requirements

• Ph. D. in organic chemistry, macromolecular chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical engineering or similar,
• publication record in relevant field of material sciences,
• experience in research and development of functional coatings for affinity biosensing is of advantage,
• experience with the development and characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures is of advantage.

We offer

• interesting and challenging work in an international research team,
• work on multidisciplinary scientific projects with real-world impact,
• excellent research infrastructure,
• language and professional training courses,
• 5 weeks of vacations,
• sport allowance (Multisport card).

Terms of employment

Full-time employment contract for 2 years (with the possibility of an extension) starting from January 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Application procedure

In order to apply, please, respond to Mrs. Jana Petrlova (e-mail petrlova@ufe.cz) with the following documents:

• cover letter,
• CV,
• list of publications.

In the subject line of your email, please, state that you apply for Postdoctoral research fellow position in functional coatings for affinity optical biosensors.