In Prague on 16 September 2022
Notification of a selection process for an academic position – Postdoctoral Fellow
The Dean of the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University announces the selection process for an academic position at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital
with a work position of 2 x 1,000
with the expected start on 1 November 2022
Postdoctoral positions in microbial genomics and metagenomics
The Department of Medical Microbiology at 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University (department) opens two postdoctoral positions within the newly established framework of the National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU (EXCELES Programme ID: LX22NPO5103). This framework fosters translational research and encourages young scientists to pursue postdoctoral careers. The Department closely collaborates with the Motol University Hospital, a tertiary health care facility with over 2,200 beds and 70,000 hospital admissions in 2020: this offers unique opportunities for clinically oriented research.
(A) Molecular epidemiology of healthcare-associated pathogens
A postdoctoral position is open in the team led by Marcela Krutova (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4511-9430). The team is focusing on molecular detection of non-culturable bacteria, molecular epidemiology of healthcare-associated pathogens and molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance markers with a significant public health concern. The candidate will be involved in the laboratory part of whole-genome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analysis of WGS data, manuscript writing and presenting results at internal meetings, national and international conferences.
(B) Viromes and bacteriomes in the pathogenesis of non-infectious diseases
A postdoctoral position is open to study bacteriome profiles and virome metagenomics under the supervision of Prof. Ondrej Cinek (complete list of publications https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Cinek+O&sort=date). We invite candidates interested in both wet lab and bioinformatics of the microbiome in primarily non-infectious diseases (e.g. type 1 diabetes and celiac disease). The work is carried out in large high-risk cohorts under an international EU-funded project network, as well as in smaller targeted studies of selected clinical conditions. We study bacteriomes and/or viromes from longitudinal collections of faecal samples from subjects developing the aforementioned conditions, searching for patterns preceding the onset of the autoimmunity. The task force of the project has produced a sizable body of metagenomic data that are now being analysed - the candidate is expected to actively participate in these analyses.
Key responsibilities of the selected applicant
The postdoc will manage and conduct subprojects within the above research frameworks. The postdoc will search literature, plan research works, supervise laboratory personnel and conduct more complicated experiments, provide consultations to the research group, report at regular meetings and to the principal investigator, and analyze data from various sources. The postdoc will coordinate a small group of pre-graduates, graduate students and technicians. Expected is an intense collaboration with researchers in related fields, namely classic medical microbiology and metabolomics, and consultations on methods. A proactive approach toward paper writing is essential, including the interpretation of statistical analyses. The postdoc will actively present research methods and results at internal meetings, national and international conferences.
Candidate selection criteria
- PhD degree in molecular genetics, microbiology, biology, or informatic disciplines.
- A strong publication track record is an important prerequisite.
- Very good communication skills in English.
- Valid work permit for European Union countries is an advantage.
- the ability to work independently and synergistically in a team of different project leaders and PhD students
Both positions are full-time only, the first contract being offered for 12 months with possible prolongation until the end of Programme in December 2025. Positions will start in autumn 2022, with possible flexibility.
We offer
- exciting research projects with excellent publication and further career prospects
- friendly work atmosphere
- the salary will be in accordance with university regulations for scientific personnel, 2.740 EUR/month (68.600 CZK) brutto, whereas the costs of living are lower than in Western Europe (https://www.numbeo.com)
- bonuses for publication activity
- an individual career development plan
- the opportunity to participate actively in international conferences with covered travel expenses
- 25 days of annual leave plus 5 days for personal growth purposes.
Applications, along with photocopies of documentation on education, curriculum vitae, work history overview, overview of scientific and publishing activities, and at least one written reference letter, should be submitted within 30 days after publication of the selection process to: Ing. Lenka Krbová, Děkanát 2. LF UK / PaM, V Úvalu 84, 150 06 Praha 5 – Motol, e-mail: @email.
prof. MUDr. Marek Babjuk, CSc.
Dean of the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
In connection with applying for this selection procedure and sending the required documents, we would like to inform you that the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, with its registered office at V Úvalu 84, Prague 5 - Motol, will comply with relevant legislation, especially Act No. 110. / 2019 Coll., to process your personal data for the purposes of the selection procedure for this position until the end of this selection procedure.
