Workplace: Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Biology centre CAS, Czechia
Department: Plant biophysics and biochemistry
Employment relationship: Employment contract
Job type: Researcher
Researcher profile: R2, R3
Duration: Fixed-term
Job status: Full-time
Hours per week: 40
Job starting date: 1. 7. 2025
Application deadline: 11. 5. 2025
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Laboratory of Plant Biophysics and Biochemistry in the Biology Centre of the Academy of Science (BC CAS), České Budějovice, Czech Republic, is looking for excellent, innovative & highly motivated candidates for the position of 1 Postdoctoral researcher in Plant Biophysics and Biochemistry with emphasis on protein biochemistry.
Position summary
The position is meant for biochemically characterising proteins that bind trace metals as a functional cofactor or as a result of sublethal (chronic) metal toxicity stress. It is meant to be linked to several projects in the group led by Prof. Dr. Hendrik Küpper and Dr. Filis Morina.
Research project
Trace elements are essential for plant growth and development, and for plant-environment interactions. They are involved in plant metabolism as cofactors of many enzymes, electron transport proteins and transcription factors. This is well known e.g. for copper, and zinc, but new functions continue to be discovered. For some of them an essential role has never been proven (e.g. Cr), others have a function only in few exceptional cases (e.g. Cd), and some are required only in minute concentrations (e.g. Ni). In our lab, in several projects we are revealing additional functions of trace metals, in particular related to plant immunity. Ongoing work in our lab investigates plant responses to mites and fungi, involving a re-programming of metal metabolism. Further, looking at toxicity, mostly high, environmentally less relevant concentrations have been studied. The molecular mechanism of sublethal effects at the environmentally most relevant nanomolar concentrations remains less known, this also involves potential new beneficial functions. In both research directions, in vivo responses to the treatments are monitored by imaging measurements of element distribution (µXRF) and photosynthetic light reaction (chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics). Mechanisms of action are further analysed by metabolomics, metalloproteomics and transcriptomics for screening. As the core work of the person to be hired, selected candidate proteins will be purified from native or heterologous expression and then further characterised. This is required to reveal the impact of the metal binding on the function of the proteins. It includes analyses of metal affinity and specificity of the proteins, metal modulation of their activity and interaction with other proteins, and characterisation of the metal binding sites. Therefore, the prospective postdoc is required to have strong expertise that allows her/him to carry out these works as further described below.
REQUIREMENTS:
Min. education level: PhD or equivalent
Field of education: Biological Sciences
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who is interested in multidisciplinary life sciences with main expertise in protein biochemistry. This has to include knowledge of semi-preparative protein purification via liquid chromatography, and characterisation of purified proteins by biochemical and spectroscopic methods. Prior experience in plant biochemistry and metal metabolism is an asset but not mandatory. Qualified candidates holding (or about to obtain before 1st July 2025) a PhD or equivalent degree in Plant Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field are encouraged to apply. Previous theoretical knowledge and practical experience in more discipline(s) within biochemistry, biophysics, molecular genetics, microbiology and bioinformatics is an advantage. At least some basic understanding of each of these fields will be required.
The core work of the researcher will be metalloproteomic analysis by HPLC-DAD/ICP-MS, protein purification from native and heterologous expression, biochemical assays e.g. of enzyme activity, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy in the X-ray and UV/VIS energy ranges. Proficiency in English (both written and spoken), good communication skills and teamwork abilities are required.
BENEFITS:
• International team with many collaborations, e.g. via leading the Society “Trace Metal Metabolism in Plants, PLANTMETALS” (www.plantmetals.net), also resulting in opportunities to travel
• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Standard health insurance and social security
• Benefits from Social fund and student benefits
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
• English speaking, friendly & stimulating international working environment
• Work-life balance in a middle-sized university city offering options for outdoor, sport & cultural activities
• Free language classes (Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs)
• Opportunity to take part in mentoring programmes as a mentor or a mentee
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
• Access to accommodation in dormitories at the campus shared by the BC and the USB
• Campus-based daycare for employees‘ children from the age of 1 year
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Conditions of contract
Employment can start on 1 July 2025, or later depending on mutual agreement. The contract will be for full-time work and initially for three months of probation period. Afterwards, if successful in the probation period, the contract may be extended for up to three years total, or longer if the candidate manages to bring in a fellowship or project that allows for it. Therefore, candidates with a strong cv that qualifies them for getting a high-level international fellowship (such as EMBO or MSCA IIF) or a grant from the Czech Science Foundation (CSF / GACR) are strongly preferred. This includes having a proven scientific track record evidenced by relevant publications: in the last 3 years at least 3 publication outputs (“articles”) above the field median (at least 2 of them in Q1) registered in the Thomson Reuters Web of Science.
Workplace
The Laboratory of Plant Biophysics and Biochemistry (PBB, head Prof. Hendrik Küpper, deputy head Dr. Filis Morina) is part of the Institute of Plant Molecular Biology (IPMB) within the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/). The lab provides excellent facilities to perform cutting-edge research, including high-end research instruments (e.g. sector-field ICP-MS, µXRF imaging, imaging and spectrally resolved Chl fluorescence kinetics). The lab is generally interested in the physiology, biophysics and biochemistry (incl. molecular biology) of photosynthetic organisms (green/brown/red algae, terrestrial and submerged higher plants, cyanobacteria). The main focus is on metal metabolism in terms of uptake, physiological use, sequestration/complexation, detoxification, toxicity and interaction with plant immunity against pathogens.
Further details about PBB: www.umbr.cas.cz/~kupper/AG_Kuepper_Homepage.html
The Biology Centre is located in České Budějovice (2 hours south of the capital Prague), a middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, over 750 years of tradition and a breathtaking countryside around. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. There is also a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS and the University of South Bohemia. In addition, the living costs are still low by international standards. Check out our Guide for Expats (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees) to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should apply before 11th of May 2025 by submitting the following documents and information as one complete pdf file to Tato e-mailová adresa je chráněna před spamboty. Pro její zobrazení musíte mít povolen Javascript.:
• A cover letter (max. 1000 words) explaining why the candidate believes to be suitable for this post
• A detailed CV including lists of publicationsy, other achievements and previous professional experience
• Academic transcripts and diplomas (scanned copies)
• A list of at least two referees
Evaluation procedure and Announcement of results
The position will be filled once the evaluation committee has found a suitable candidate. We will contact only potentially successful candidates and invite them min. 3 days in advance for an interview to be held as a Skype or Zoom videoconference, and candidates will be informed of the result max. two weeks after the interview.
The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences holds the HR Award. Our selection process meets European standards for recruitment of researchers (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/) and we provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support). Gender equality plan (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/about-us/gender-equality) has been accepted in 2022.