ERC funded project on mitochondrial signaling and cellular differentiation
- Employer
- Biology Center - Institute of Parasitology
- Location
- Czech Republic
- Salary
- Negotiable
- Closing date
- Nov 15, 2024
View moreView less
- Sector
- Science
- Organization Type
- University and College
- Jobseeker Type
- Professional
We are looking for a postdoc to unravel the mitochondrial signaling pathways that influence cellular differentiation.
Background of your project:
The metabolites synthesized within mitochondria during energy production can function as intracellular signaling molecules that communicate the bioenergetic and biosynthetic fitness of the organelle to the nucleus. This information relay mechanism plays a powerful role in determining cellular fate. The Laboratory of Functional Biology of Protists utilizes the unicellular parasites, Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense , as simplified but elegant model organisms. These protists offer exciting new possibilities to address significant knowledge gaps concerning the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial signaling because their single mitochondrion undergoes drastic structural and metabolic rewiring during programmed development between several distinct life cycle forms. Recent discoveries in the lab have determined that elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the mitochondria are key signaling molecules required for cellular differentiation (Dolezelova et al., 2020, PLoS Biol, PMID: 32520929; also reviewed in PMID: 35325490).
About your role:
You will be the driving force behind a project that integrates next-generation biosensors, advanced bioenergetic methods, redox proteomics and a CRISPR/Cas9 genetic screen within the Trypanosoma model organisms. These data sets will help resolve the following fundamental questions: Does mitochondrial ROS drive Trypanosoma cellular differentiation? What molecular processes are responsible for the elevated mitochondrial ROS levels during differentiation? How is the redox signal propagated to the rest of the cell? You will also participate in the supervision of junior colleagues, manuscript preparation and presenting your results at international meetings.
About your workplace:
You will work at the Institute of Parasitology (IoP) (https://www.paru.cas.cz/en/), one of five institutes comprising the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences at Ceske Budejovice (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/homepage/). IoP is composed of 17 research groups and is the principal institution in the Czech Republic devoted exclusively to basic and applied research on human and animal parasites at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. IoP is closely associated with the University of South Bohemia, which is located on the same academic campus. You will be an integral member of the vibrant and international research group lead by Dr. Alena Zikova, who was recently awarded the prestigious European Research Council Consolidator Grant. You will have excellent opportunities to advance your scientific career in a nuturing and stimulating research lab that has built an extensive network of national and international collaborators across Europe and the US. The lab is located in a newly remodeled open space research center that houses two other labs focused on various aspects of trypansoma research. The scientific expertise and technical facilities of these joint trypanosoma research groups are highly complementary, constituting a collaborative and friendly environment for cutting-edge research. Outstanding facilities are available for cellular physiology, advanced imaging and each of the major -omics fields.
České Budějovice is located 2 hours south of the capital city, Prague and 2 hours north of the Austrian Alps. Situated on the confluence of the Vltava and Malse rivers, it has over 750 years of tradition. The many city parks and beautiful countryside contributes to a relaxed atmosphere. With about 100K inhabitants, the city still offers many cultural and recreational opportunities. In addition to these positives, 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.
Our offer:
A fully funded position with a competitive salary for 3 years, with the possibility for extension. Starting date is as soon as possible. We have a general understanding for a healthy work/life balance.
How to apply:
Application deadline is Friday, November 15, 2024.Please submit your CV along with a motivational letter explaining your research passions and why you are uniquely qualified to join our research group. Contact: bpanicucci@paru.cas.cz.
About the selection process:
The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences holds the HR Excellence in Research Award. Our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating, and fair. For more information about the researchers' recruitment policy at our institution, see OTM-R
(https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/).
At the deadline, we will review all applications and select 3 candidates to interview online. Final candidates will be contacted via email and asked to present their most significant contributions to their field of research.
Background of your project:
The metabolites synthesized within mitochondria during energy production can function as intracellular signaling molecules that communicate the bioenergetic and biosynthetic fitness of the organelle to the nucleus. This information relay mechanism plays a powerful role in determining cellular fate. The Laboratory of Functional Biology of Protists utilizes the unicellular parasites, Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense , as simplified but elegant model organisms. These protists offer exciting new possibilities to address significant knowledge gaps concerning the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial signaling because their single mitochondrion undergoes drastic structural and metabolic rewiring during programmed development between several distinct life cycle forms. Recent discoveries in the lab have determined that elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the mitochondria are key signaling molecules required for cellular differentiation (Dolezelova et al., 2020, PLoS Biol, PMID: 32520929; also reviewed in PMID: 35325490).
About your role:
You will be the driving force behind a project that integrates next-generation biosensors, advanced bioenergetic methods, redox proteomics and a CRISPR/Cas9 genetic screen within the Trypanosoma model organisms. These data sets will help resolve the following fundamental questions: Does mitochondrial ROS drive Trypanosoma cellular differentiation? What molecular processes are responsible for the elevated mitochondrial ROS levels during differentiation? How is the redox signal propagated to the rest of the cell? You will also participate in the supervision of junior colleagues, manuscript preparation and presenting your results at international meetings.
About your workplace:
You will work at the Institute of Parasitology (IoP) (https://www.paru.cas.cz/en/), one of five institutes comprising the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences at Ceske Budejovice (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/homepage/). IoP is composed of 17 research groups and is the principal institution in the Czech Republic devoted exclusively to basic and applied research on human and animal parasites at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. IoP is closely associated with the University of South Bohemia, which is located on the same academic campus. You will be an integral member of the vibrant and international research group lead by Dr. Alena Zikova, who was recently awarded the prestigious European Research Council Consolidator Grant. You will have excellent opportunities to advance your scientific career in a nuturing and stimulating research lab that has built an extensive network of national and international collaborators across Europe and the US. The lab is located in a newly remodeled open space research center that houses two other labs focused on various aspects of trypansoma research. The scientific expertise and technical facilities of these joint trypanosoma research groups are highly complementary, constituting a collaborative and friendly environment for cutting-edge research. Outstanding facilities are available for cellular physiology, advanced imaging and each of the major -omics fields.
České Budějovice is located 2 hours south of the capital city, Prague and 2 hours north of the Austrian Alps. Situated on the confluence of the Vltava and Malse rivers, it has over 750 years of tradition. The many city parks and beautiful countryside contributes to a relaxed atmosphere. With about 100K inhabitants, the city still offers many cultural and recreational opportunities. In addition to these positives, 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.
Our offer:
A fully funded position with a competitive salary for 3 years, with the possibility for extension. Starting date is as soon as possible. We have a general understanding for a healthy work/life balance.
How to apply:
Application deadline is Friday, November 15, 2024.Please submit your CV along with a motivational letter explaining your research passions and why you are uniquely qualified to join our research group. Contact: bpanicucci@paru.cas.cz.
About the selection process:
The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences holds the HR Excellence in Research Award. Our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating, and fair. For more information about the researchers' recruitment policy at our institution, see OTM-R
(https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/).
At the deadline, we will review all applications and select 3 candidates to interview online. Final candidates will be contacted via email and asked to present their most significant contributions to their field of research.
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