RECETOX Centre, the institute at the Masaryk University in Brno (the Czech Republic), is focused on the research and education in the area of Environment and Health. RECETOX provides expertise, access to high-quality research infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment, professional services and training to the international research community, collaborators and other partners.

Research project:     

Clinically relevant biochemical, immunological and cellular biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and aging

 Job Description

The postdoctoral associate will design and perform laboratory experiments using mass spectrometry, biochemistry and molecular biology methods and will be responsible for development of mass spectrometry data processing pipeline to characterize immune-metabolic biomarkers of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. The candidate will apply mass spectrometry technology to the analysis of materials from cell culture and animal model and clinical samples. The emerging cellular biology model based on cerebral organoids will allow for hypothesis driven experiments transformative to the field of Alzheimer's disease research. The candidate will be involved in cutting-edge research on multidisciplinary project combining advanced analytical technology with modern cell biology to advance medicine. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated candidate to take part in an excellence science.

The research group led by Zdenek Spáčil, (spacil@recetox.muni.cz), is engaged in metabolomics and targeted proteomics and pioneering the exposome (i.e. non-genetic factors affecting human health).

Requirements and qualifications:

The candidate obtained within past 5 years a Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics or related field obtained. The candidate must have a previous research experience and a solid record of accomplishment in peer-reviewed scientific journals (i.e. WoS, SCOPUS), including one first author publication.

The candidate has to prove the interest and motivation to tackle scientific challenges, independent planning of experiments to explore given hypotheses and technical skills to conduct experimental work. The candidate should have the practical experience and understand the basic principle of mass spectrometry-based techniques and modern liquid chromatography concepts. The basic programming skills (i.e. R, Python) and experience with statistical data processing are advantageous. The ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, independently solve technical issues, resourcefulness and excellent science writing are required. Additional requirements include good written and oral communication skills, excellent documentation skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of an international team.

What do we offer?

• To become a part of an international and dynamic scientific team working on a challenging project
• The opportunities towards independent scientific career development
• To publish results in prestigious scientific journals
• The state of the art equipment and instrumentation
• Collaborative projects with international partners (e.g. ETH Zurich, University College London, Univ. of Vienna, Univ. of Washington)
• The informal working environment
• Competitive salary including employee benefits.

Contract duration: This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of extension depending on the performance (project funding until 2022).

 Applications and selection process: The application (consisting of the curriculum vitae, motivation letter, two reference letters or the names of at least two referees and the copy of Ph.D. certificate), as well as formal and scientific questions should be send via email to rcx-hr@recetox.muni.cz.