Přehled
Workplace: Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic
Type of Contract: temporary position with a 1-year contract (with possible extension), non-academic
Working Hours: 1.0 FTE (full-time employment of 40 hours per week)
Expected Start Date: 1st May 2025 or negotiable with respect to immigration timelines for non-EU candidates
Number of Open Positions: 1
Pay: CZK 55,000 per month
Application Deadline: 31. 3. 2025
About the Workplace
Masaryk University is modern, dynamic and the most attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 6500 staff and 33 000 students, a wide range of research areas and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.
Faculty of Science MU, a holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University generating around 40 % of MU research results.
The Department of Experimental Biology at the Faculty of Science MU is a modern, fully equipped workplace engaged in research and teaching at all levels. Its cutting-edge research explores the molecular and physiological mechanisms of life across diverse biological systems. The Laboratory of Tumor Biology (Head: Assoc. Prof. Jan Škoda, Ph.D.) has a long-standing expertise in pediatric cancer research with a major focus on the most aggressive solid tumors. Jan Škoda’s research group collaborates with leading international experts in developmental and cancer biology, as well as clinical oncologists and pathologists, with the mission of identifying tumor-specific vulnerabilities to develop innovative therapies and translate biological insights into clinical practice.
Job Description
We are looking for a motivated and curiosity-driven scientist to join our team and contribute to the exciting project “Synthetic lethal interactions of the mitochondrial integrated stress response in MYC-driven tumors” (GA25-16629S, Czech Science Foundation), integrating mitochondrial and cancer biology to advance therapies for aggressive MYC-addicted tumors. The research builds on our recent breakthrough findings (Borankova et al., Cell Death & Disease 2023) to elucidate context-specific regulators and activities of the mitochondrial integrated stress response (mitoISR) in relation to MYC oncoproteins. Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, including novel inducible MYC/MYCN models, this project aims to dissect mitoISR-mediated synthetic lethality and potentially unlock new strategies for targeting therapy-resistant MYC-driven tumors. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Jan Škoda’s research group, you will work closely with other team members and will receive support for attending relevant conferences, training sessions, and scientific stays, as well as the opportunity to develop side projects to advance your scientific career.
Key Duties:
- Overseeing and carrying out the development of reporter cell lines and knockout/inducible cell models, designing vectors (expression, shRNA, CRISPR-Cas9), and performing other molecular and cell biology methods to achieve project goals
- Collaborating with research team members to implement and support research projects
- Publishing the results and presenting them at international conferences
Skills and Qualifications
The applicant must have:
- PhD degree in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, or genetics
- Proven experience in genetic manipulation techniques (experience in cancer biology or mitochondrial research is a plus)
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English
- Good publication record – at least two research articles in Q1/Q2 journals, with one first-author paper within the last three years
- Team-oriented and positive mindset, with a strong drive to independently tackle scientifically challenging questions
Informal inquiries about the position can be sent to Assoc. Prof. Jan Škoda, Ph.D., email jan.skoda@sci.muni.cz
We Offer
- Work in a supportive team atmosphere on interesting and clinically relevant projects
- Access to a unique biobank of patient-derived tumor models, state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities at the University Campus
- Professional development support and the opportunity to supervise students, if interested
- An interesting job in a dynamically-expanding university area
- Flexible working hours and occasional home office to support personal needs in family and career compatibility
- Employee benefits such as 6 weeks of paid vacation per year, pension insurance contribution or nursery/children´s group allowance, a financial meal allowance, Multisport card, vaccinations free of charge, discounted language courses, exclusive mobile tariff offer by Vodafone, childcare groups at Campus and Komenského náměstí)
- Opportunity to work and live in a modern and dynamic city (for more information on costs of living, you can refer to Numbeo)
- Welcome Office provides support with your relocation to Brno
Application Process
The application shall be submitted online by 31. 3. 2025 via an e-application
https://www.muni.cz/en/about-us/careers/vacancies/78999
The candidate shall provide following:
- CV including a summary of research outputs and publications
- Cover letter describing candidate’s research interest and experience
- Scanned copy of the PhD diploma or an official letter (supervisor or the School) detailing the state of a doctoral thesis and the planned defense date
- Names and contact details of at least 2 references.
After submitting your application successfully, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from jobs.muni.cz.
Selection Process
Received applications will be considered carefully in line with principles of the EU Charter and Code for Researchers. Selection criteria: (i) meeting qualification requirements described above, (ii) all required documents provided.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal or online interview.
The Faculty Recruitment Policy (OTM-R) can be seen here.
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University is an equal opportunity employer. We support diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Visit our Career page.
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
