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 projects:   

Functional characterization of human gut microbiota metabolites

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 microbial metabolites and proteins responsible for immunomodulatory function of human gut microbiota. The candidate will apply mass spectrometry technology to the analysis of human clinical samples. The researcher will combine multiomics data (i.e. metagenomics, proteomics and metabolomics) to characterize the role of gut microbiota in immunological homeostasis and the overall human health. The candidate will be involved in cutting-edge research on multidisciplinary project combining advanced analytical technology with molecular 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 a 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 research 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 2023).