Overview

Our lab is specifically interested in the genetics of familial hypercholesterolemia and other dyslipidemias. LDL-cholesterol levels as a key risk factor of atherosclerosis development have a strong genetic background. It has been shown that individuals with monogenic hypercholesterolemia are at higher risk of premature cardiovascular disease than individuals with polygenic hypercholesterolemia, and those are at higher risk than individuals with lifestyle-related high cholesterol levels. Thus, the determination of the individual genetic risk of hypercholesterolemia might help establish the individual risk of cardiovascular disease development and might facilitate a personalized approach to therapy. A specific effort is being made to identify a genetic cause for the severe FH phenotype in patients who tested negative after standard genetic analysis. We are particularly focusing on polygenic factors and polygenic risk scores, the role of which has not been sufficiently defined and elucidated yet. We are also studying the importance of molecular genetic diagnostics in familial hypercholesterolemia neonatal/paediatric screening.

The postdoctoral position will be part of the more significant NPO project LX22NPO5104 named “National Institute for Metabolic and Cardiovascular Research”, funded by the Ministry of education, youth and sports (RRF). We are currently looking for a motivated, enthusiastic, and independent postdoc with a background in molecular genetics, molecular biology, medical biology, biochemistry, genetic epidemiology, metabolic or cardiovascular medicine, or a related field to help us uncover the molecular principles of polygenic versus monogenic determination of hypercholesterolemia and/or atherosclerosis, as well as the role of molecular diagnostics in personalized medicine.

The successful candidate should:

  • Be a researcher who has received a PhD or its equivalent in Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or similar;
  • Have Excellent communication and teamwork skills;
  • Have a publishing record – in the last five years, at least three publication outputs (“articles”) above the field median (at least two of them in Q1) registered in the Thomson Reuters Web of Science;
  • Have practical experience and theoretical knowledge of basic molecular biology methods, and/or bioinformatics/statistics
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required at level C1.

MU offers the opportunity to get:

  • An exciting job in a dynamically-expanding university area;
  • diverse and challenging work in an excellent research environment;
  • a professional team and pleasant working conditions;
  • interaction with leading scientists in an inspiring, internationalised environment;
  • full support of the administrative and project offices;
  • support of the Welcome office for the successful applicant and his/her family;
  • 6 weeks of vacation, meal allowance, Multisport card,flexible working hours, pension fund contribution, and other benefits

Workplace: University campus, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, the Czech Republic
Job contract: A fixed-term until November 2025, with the possibility of extension for additional projects
Workload: 40 hours per week
Start of work: as soon as possible, based on mutual agreement

The applicant shall submit:

  • CV including a list of publication activities;
  • Motivation letter describing an applicant’s research interest and a motivation of why to join our team;
  • Contact information of at least two references (name, position,e-mail, telephone number);
  • Diploma (recognition for diplomas from foreign institutions).

How to apply?

Please use the “E-Application” link: Postdoc Position in Cardiovascular Research on the Genetic Background of Hypercholesterolemia | Masaryk University (muni.cz)

For more information, contact prof. MUDr. Tomáš Freiberger, PhD. by e-mail: tomas.freiberger@cktch.cz  or Mgr. Tatiana Kováčová, Ph.D. at tatiana.kovacova@cktch.cz

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