1 scientist (PhD) with at least 3 years post-doctoral experience

Type of job: full-time

Position summary

The scientist will pursue research on metal(loid)s in plants and other photosynthetic organisms in terms of biochemistry and biophysics of micronutrient nutrition, toxicity and detoxification. Research will be on the organismic, cell/tissue and molecular (DNA, RNA, protein, metabolite) level, with a focus on protein biochemistry. We are looking for a candidate who wants to join the department long-term.

Workplace

The Department of Plant Biophysics and Biochemistry (PBB, headed by Prof. Hendrik Küpper) as part of the Institute of Plant Molecular Biology (IPMB) within the Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (BCAS). The department was recently awarded a 4.9 Mio € grant from the Czech Ministry of Education with co-financing from the EU, which allowed for its expansion incl. additional team members and further high-end research instruments (e.g. ICP-sfMS, µXRF). The department is interested in the physiology, biophysics and biochemistry (incl. molecular biology) of photosynthetic organisms (terrestrial and submerged higher plants, algae, bacteria). The main focus is on metal metabolism (uptake, physiological use, sequestration, complexation, detoxification, toxicity) and photosynthesis regulation. It employs various biochemical and biophysical methods from the whole organism to the molecular level.

Further details:

(a) BCAS: http://www.bc.cas.cz/en/

(b) IPMB: http://www.umbr.cas.cz/

(c) PBB: http://www.umbr.cas.cz/~kupper/AG_Kuepper_Homepage.html

Conditions of contract

Employment can start on 1 February 2019, or later depending on mutual agreement. The contract will be initially for one year (with 3-month probation period). Afterwards, the contract may be extended long-term. Wage will be internationally competitive, the exact level will depend on the qualification of the candidate.

Qualification

Interested candidates must have successfully obtained a PhD degree in a relevant discipline and should have previous experience in plant sciences, or protein biochemistry of another organism group, in both cases ideally combined with experience in metal(loid) metabolism and a strong background in biophysics and/or protein biochemistry. Furthermore, the candidate should have theoretical expertise and practical experience in protein purification and at least two of the following areas: physiology, biophysics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, protein biochemistry. Practical experience in, and theoretical understanding of, at least some of the following techniques will be required: Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, advanced UV/VIS absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS, XRF, EDX, PIXE), ICPMS, GF-AAS, polarographic gas exchange measurement, HPLC, chromatographic protein purification, metalloproteomics, enzyme assays, mass spectrometric identification of proteins, over-expression and knockout/know-down of genes. An interest in environmental questions and problems would be a further benefit. The candidate needs to have a good knowledge of spoken and written English in order to be able to fluently communicate with the team, to write scientific manuscripts for publication in international journals and grant applications for international agencies.

How to apply

Interested candidates should apply no later than 1 December 2018, by submitting the following documents and information as one complete pdf file to hendrik.kuepper@umbr.cas.cz:

- A cover letter (max. 1000 words) explaining why the candidate believes to be suitable for this post

- A detailed CV including lists of publications, other achievements and previous professional experience

- Academic transcripts and diplomas (scanned copies)

- A list of minimally two referees whom we may ask by telephone or e-mail before or after the interview.

Evaluation procedure and Announcement of results

The evaluation committee will invite (min. 1 week in advance) shortlisted candidates for an interview to be held as a Skype videoconference in December 2018, and candidates will be informed of the results after max. 2 weeks.

Contact:
Hendrik Kuepper

E-mail:
hendrik.kuepper@umbr.cas.cz

Updated: 21.11.2018