Overview

Postdoctoral position: Targeted pest control for bark beetles by understanding its olfactory processes

We are looking for highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to join the laboratory of Dr. Zdeněk Franta, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech republic.

The selected candidate will be involved in the project entitled: Smell-based Molecular Artificial intelligence to Fight Bark Beetles (SMARTBeetle). This project was co-funded by EU within Czech-Austria Interreg call and aims for more effective and specific protection of the forests against the calamitous spread of the bark beetle. The project will be realized within a seven-member consortium containing research institutions in Austria (Software Competence Center Hagenberg GmbH, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Business Upper Austria Ltd. Technical University Vienna) and Czech Republic (Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Mendel University in Brno, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice), which cover the broad portfolio of modern methods of biology and artificial intelligence (AI).

The candidate will be involved in the molecular-biological part of the project, which requires recombinant production of odorant binding proteins and olfactory receptors of bark beetle and creation of the cell line-based reporter assay for evaluation of binding affinities of tested compounds.

Candidate criteria:

  • A Ph.D. in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry or related fields
  • Demonstrated experience in recombinant protein production, including prokaryotic as well es eukaryotic expression systems.
  •  Strong experience with various purification techniques, experience with membrane protein is beneficial.
  •  Hands on experience with standard molecular/cellular biological techniques, and with experiments involving  tissue culture.
  •  Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a commitment to interdisciplinary research.
  •  Problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and flexible hours depending on specific experiments.
  •  Fluent in English (min B2 level)

What do we offer:

  • Work in an international, cross-disciplinary team with strong application drive
  • Job position for 30 months, with possible extension
  • 5 weeks of vacation, 4 personal sick days per year
  • Flexible working hours
  • A meal card or the option of meals at the USB cantine at a reduced price
  • Childcare benefits, mobile operator benefits, bank account benefits, language courses
  • Employment starts at 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible

How to apply:

Please submit your application electronically via jobs@prf.jcu.cz

The application must contain:

  •  CV including publication record
  •  Motivation letter with brief description of your research experience and future interest
  •  Contact information for three reverences

The applications will be reviewed as received and interviews scheduled accordingly. The closing date for applications is November 30, 2024 or until the post is filled. 

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