Overview

Artificial evolution is a powerful method that makes it possible to isolate nucleic acids with specific functions (such as the ability to bind a ligand or catalyze a reaction) from large nucleic acid libraries. We have used this method for a variety of projects in our group, including to isolate catalytic DNA molecules (deoxyribozymes) that generate chemiluminescent, fluorescent, and colorimetric signals and to identify RNA-cleaving deoxyribozymes from structured nucleic acid libraries. High-throughput sequencing is an integral part our experimental workflow, and we are searching for a student with a background in bioinformatics who will help us to process these datasets. In addition to standard approaches such as motif mapping and secondary structure determination by covariation analysis, we are also interested in developing new methods. These include machine-learning based approaches to identify deoxyribozyme variants with new phenotypes.

University:

Faculty of Science, Charles University

Group:

Edward Curtis Group, Functional Potential of Nucleic Acids

Tutor:

Dr. Edward Curtis

Field of study:

Bioinformatics

How to apply:

At the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS / IOCB Prague, we are looking for talented, independent, and highly motivated PhD students with an MSc. degree or equivalent in life sciences or related fields. We offer exciting new projects in organic and medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular and structural biology, and analytical and physical chemistry.

• Online registration deadline: 3 March 2025
• Interview Day: 20 March 2025

Learn more and apply at www.uochb.cz/en/call-for-phd-applications.