Nine Postdoctoral Positions: Charles University in
Prague, Faculty of Science
Employer:
Website:
Location:
Type:
Posted:
Expires:
Faculty of Science
http://www.natur.cuni.cz/biologie-en/postdoctoral-position/postdoctoral-positions
Prague, Czech Republic
Postdoctoral
30.12.2011
28.02.2012
Nine Postdoctoral Positions in Chemistry, Life Sciences and Biology
starting April 1, 2012
Charles University is one of the most eminent educational and scientific establishments in the
Czech Republic. Its Faculty of Science is a research-oriented institution with the main mission
to create highly qualified experts in biology, chemistry, geology, geography and environmental
sciences. Some of the long-term priority areas are human health, the study of ecosystems,
and the development of environmentally friendly materials based on the utilization of
renewable resources. Over 400 scientists conduct research and education in the fields of
biology, chemistry, geology, geography and environmental studies. We offer a
multidisciplinary, stimulating and interactive environment in young research groups. The
Faculty is located in the heart of Prague, a cultural crossroad of unique ambiance.
Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. in the corresponding field and a promising publication
record; the degree had to be obtained no earlier than on 28 March 2008. Successful
candidates will be required to teach in advanced courses related to their specific area of
expertise. The courses, aimed at Ph.D. and M.Sc. students, will be held in English and will be
organized as intensive courses/workshops at various institutions outside of Prague. The
teaching workload will not exceed five hrs/average week.
The positions will initially be for 33 months and will be funded through the European Social
Fund in the Czech Republic. Funds for long-term research stay (up to 6 months)/international
mobility are provided. The salaries will start at 40K CZK per month.
The Faculty will hold a competitive selection; official call for application will be announced in
early 2012. There will be a trial period of two months.
Two Postdoctoral researchers in Chemistry
(Faculty of Science, Department of Organic chemistry)
Two Postdoctoral researchers in Molecular Cell Biology
(Faculty of Science, Departments of Cell Biology and Genetics and Microbiology)
One Postdoctoral researcher in Immunology
(Faculty of Science, Department of Cell Biology)
One Postdoctoral researcher in Comparative Evolutionary Neuroscience
(Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology)
One Postdoctoral researcher in Botany
(Faculty of Science, Department of Botany)
Two Postdoctoral researchers in Ecology
(Faculty of Science, Department of Ecology)
Enquiries and preliminary applications may be sent to postdoc@natur.cuni.cz
To obtain more information about the topics, deadlines and the selection process, please visit:
http://www.natur.cuni.cz/biologie-en/postdoctoral-position/postdoctoral-positions
Postdoctoral positions are available in the following research areas:
Chemistry
Postdoctoral Researcher – Reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry
The postdoctoral position is available for investigation of mechanisms of organic or
organometallic reactions. Candidates should be interested in fundamentals of chemical
reactivity and should have background in both organic as well as physical chemistry.
The Laboratory is interested in mechanisms of transition-metal catalyzed reactions and in
fundamental questions about molecules and their properties. The research tools include mass
spectrometry, computational chemistry, and synthetic chemistry. The candidate does not need
to cover all methods; training is offered in each of the fields.
Potential aims include:
- Investigation of ionic species of given organometallic reactions using electro spray-ionization
mass spectrometry, investigation of reactivity of the identified potential reaction intermediates
- Ion spectroscopy of reaction intermediates at European multi-user facilities with IR freeelectron lasers
- Investigation of kinetics of the given reactions
- Suggestion of reaction mechanisms
References and additional information can be found at http:// www.orgchem.cz/roithova
Postdoctoral Researcher – Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis
The postdoctoral position is available for asymmetric chemical transformations via
organocatalysis. Candidates should be interested in asymmetric synthesis, kinetic resolutions
and should have background in synthetic organic chemistry.
The Laboratory is interested in organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis based on enamine,
iminium catalysis and also H-bonding and PT catalysis. The research tools include general
synthetic methodologies and purification techniques, NMR measurements, purification and
characterization of products by HPLC and GC. The candidate does not need to cover all
methods, training in each of the fields is offered.
Potential aims include:
- Development of new asymmetric organocatalytic tandem reactions using primary and
secondary amine catalysis
- Application of developed chemical transformation into synthesis of biologically active
compounds
- Suggestion of reaction mechanisms
- Preparation of new organic catalysts (polyfluorinated, hydrophilic, etc.)
References and additional information can be found at
http://www.orgchem.cz/vesely
Molecular cell biology
Postdoctoral researcher – Translational control of the eukaryotic gene
expression
Postdoctoral position is available for either a molecular biologist or a computational biologist
(specialist in bioinformatics) to study a role of physical and functional interactions between
translation initiation factors and 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs) in a control of mRNA
translation and stability. Both canonical and non-canonical translation initiation factors will be
in a focus of the study. The main models currently employed in the laboratory are human cell
lines (derived from acute leukemia), budding yeast, hepatitis C virus and the beetle Tribolium
castaneum. A broad selection of models and used techniques allow us to ask questions
ranging from those covering basic functions of translational apparatus to questions concerning
associated evolutionary and developmental consequences. Deregulation of translation
initiation and mRNA stability plays a key role in many human pathologies including cancer,
leukemia and viral infection. We always try to expand our basic science projects to
understanding of the corresponding diseases and thus we often co-operate with leading
academic institutes and clinics.
Qualification and experience. We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and
qualified researcher who would like to join our team and effort. If molecular biologists,
candidates should have an experience either in RNA analyses and biochemistry or in cell
biology techniques including confocal microscopy, life cell imaging and FRET. If computational
biologists, candidates should have, besides basic knowledge of molecular genetics, strong
background and interest in computational data analysis, experience with Linux/Unix shell,
knowledge in database technologies and solid programming skills. Strong communication
skills and the ability to interact and co-operate well with other scientists and students in the
team are essential.
Lab website: http://web.natur.cuni.cz/~pospisek/, IRESite: http://www.iresite.org/
Postdoctoral Researcher – Splicing in the regulation of gene expression in
yeast
Postdoctoral position is available to study the regulation of splicing and the interplay
between transcription and pre-mRNA processing in yeast. Candidates should be interested in
the molecular mechanisms of gene expression regulation and should have experience in
molecular genetics, biochemistry, RNA analyses and cell biology/microbiology.
The Laboratory is interested in the mechanisms of splicing regulation and the
relationship between splicing and transcription using yeasts as model organisms. Both
Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe are used to study evolutionarily
conserved regulatory factors of the synthesis and maturation phases of transcript production.
Introns in S. cerevisiae are relatively few and short; the spliceosomes still contain an almost
complete array of splicing factors as compared to other organisms (S. pombe or higher
eukaryotes). The study of splicing factors in an organism with reduced intronome should help
to identify interactions that link splicing to other gene expression processes.
Potential aims include:
- Regulation of RNA helicases during the splicing cycle
- Factors and molecular mechanisms of coupling of transcription initiation, elongation, and
splicing
- Mechanisms that coordinate transcript production & maturation with cell cycle progression
- Role and regulation of cyclophilins in the spliceosome of S. pombe
Additional information on this position and research of the group may be obtained
from Petr Folk (postdoc@natur.cuni.cz).
Immunology
Postdoctoral Researcher – Study of the mouse professional antigen
presentation using MHCII-EGFP knock-in mouse
Postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Cell Biology to study the
distribution and function of the professional antigen-presenting cells using the model MHCIIEGFP knock-in mouse. The ideal candidate for this position has strong background in
immunology per se, has experience with the transgenic mouse models, advanced fluorescent
imaging techniques and histological approaches.
The Laboratory is interested in membrane trafficking, antigen presentation in
combination with the characterization of fungal and bacterial secondary metabolites and the
establishment of new MRI probes.
Potential aims include:
- Dynamics of the dendritic cell and macrophage distribution during ontogeny and inflammation
- Adoptive cell transfers used to characterize homing mechanisms
- Transplantation models used to study dynamics of antigen-presenting cell migrations and
activation
- Advanced imaging techniques for the characterization of secondary lymph organs in situ in
vivo
Additional information on this position and research of the group may be obtained
from Jan Černý (jan.cerny@natur.cuni.cz).
Comparative evolutionary neuroscience
Postdoctoral Researcher – Evolution of neuronal and non-neuronal cell
numbers in vertebrate brains
A postdoctoral position is available to study brain cellular composition and cellular scaling
roles in various groups of vertebrates. Candidates should have established interest in
evolutionary neuroscience and experience in quantitative and comparative neuroanatomy.
Expertise in histology and immunocytochemistry is required, experience with tract tracing and
flow cytometry is highly welcome.
The laboratory is interested in the evolution of brain size in relation to cognitive abilities.
Within the scope of the advertised project, a postdoctoral researcher is expected to assess
how cellular composition determining the brain computational capacity varies with brain size in
various vertebrate groups. The postdoc will estimate the total number of glial and neuronal
cells and glia/neuron ratio in whole brains and dissected brain parts of representatives of major
vertebrate clades using the isotropic fractionator method combined with flow cytometry cell
counting. The results will be interpreted in the context of factors that have shaped brain
evolution, such as taxon-specific physiological and/or ecological adaptations, energetic
constraints and cognitive skills.
Potential aims include: standardization of isotropic fractionator protocols for sub mammalian
vertebrates; quantitative assessment of brain and spinal cord cellular composition in selected
vertebrates that serve as model organisms in biological research; broad comparative analysis
of brain cellular composition in fish, amphibians and birds.
Additional information on this position and research of the group may be obtained from
Pavel Němec (postdoc@natur.cuni.cz).
Botany
Postdoctoral Researcher – Polyploid complexes in Brassicaceae family
Postdoctoral position is available for the study of polyploid complexes in the family
Brassicaceae. Study will comprise ploidy level evaluation, analysis of the origin of polyploids
using molecular markers as well as evaluation of morphological differentiation among
genetically defined groups.
Research team focuses on the systematics and phylogeny of the genera of the families
Brassicaceae, Asteraceae and Zingiberaceae. Wide spectrum of methodical approaches
(molecular
systematics,
multivariate
morphometrics,
karyology,
biogeography,
phylogeography, nomenclature) enables complex view on the evolutionary history and
relationships of the studied taxa. Well-equipped DNA and flow cytometric laboratories are
available.
Potential aims - thorough comparative study of the evolutionary history of three intricate
polyploid complexes from three different tribes of Brassicaceae in order to get a more general
insight into patterns and processes of polyploid evolution in natural conditions. Particular
questions addressed will include: What is the rate of auto- vs. allopolyploidy in three studied
polyploid complexes? Does the evolution repeat itself? Are there any independent polyploid
lineages originating from the same parental combinations? What are the main differences in
evolutionary patterns between related diploid and diploid/tetraploid species complexes
evolving in the same area and environmental context?
References and additional information can be found at http://botany.natur.cuni.cz/
Ecology
Postdoctoral Researcher – Genetic variation of model taxa of crustaceans
and their associated (micro)parasites
Postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Ecology on evolutionary biology of
freshwater crustaceans. The ideal candidate for this position has strong background in animal
ecology and evolutionary biology (an experience with host-parasite interactions is a plus), has
experience with various DNA laboratory methods and analysis of resulting data, and is willing
to learn new methods and contribute to both field- and labwork.
The research group is particularly interested on diversity, evolution, and ecology of two
important crustacean taxa – cladocerans (mainly Daphnia) and freshwater crayfish.
Furthermore, we are involved in studies on interactions of these crustaceans, as hosts, with
certain microparasites (in particular, an oomycete Aphanomyces astaci causing crayfish
plague, and microsporidians infecting Daphnia).
The postdoc should contribute to these research questions by genetic analyses of populations
of selected crustacean species complexes. Topics under study will include (i) spatial
distribution of evolutionary lineages and phylogroups, (ii) patterns resulting from interspecific
hybridisation (or reproductive isolation) between coexisting closely related lineages, (iii)
impacts of parasitism on genetic variation of host populations, (iv) DNA-based detection of
parasite infection and quantification of parasite load, and (v) analysis of parasite diversity.
Different molecular approaches are likely to be used, such as standard sequencing,
microsatellite analyses, real-time PCR, and AFLP.
Additional information on this position and research of the group may be obtained from
Adam Petrusek (petrusek@cesnet.cz).
Postdoctoral Researcher – Macro ecological patterns in space and time.
Postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Ecology on macro ecology and
evolutionary biology. The ideal candidate for this position has strong background in macro
ecology, community ecology and evolution, has experience with phylogenetic methods and
spatial statistics, and is willing to learn new methods. Skills in programming and SQL scripts
are competitive advantage.
The research group is particularly interested on macro ecological patterns in space and time,
species richness spatial distribution, life histories, and taxonomical decomposition of all the
focal patterns.
The postdoc should contribute to these research questions by employing modern statistical
methods, and spatial and taxonomical modeling focusing on topics such as spatial distribution
of evolutionary lineages, ecological guilds and phylogroups. The postdoc is expected to
analyze patterns in distribution and diversity of various taxa at multiple spatial scales, and
reveal evolutionary and ecological processes responsible for these patterns. Different
statistical approaches and computer based, step-by-step models are likely to be used.
Additional information on this position and research of the group may be obtained from
David Storch (storch@cts.cuni.cz).