Postdoctoral fellow in plant metabolomics

IOCB Prague is a leading research institution under the umbrella of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Our mission is basic research at the interface of chemical and biological sciences and translation of results from basic research into applications and commercial assets.

Postdoctoral fellow in plant metabolomics

GROUP Tomáš Pluskal Group Biochemistry of Plant Specialized Metabolites

Tomáš Pluskal Group at IOCB Prague combines cutting-edge experimental (e.g., LC-MS, metabolomics, RNA-seq) and computational (e.g., bioinformatics, molecular networking, machine learning) approaches to develop rapid, generally applicable workflows for the discovery and utilization of bioactive molecules derived from plants. We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our team.

The successful candidate will be applying metabolomics and molecular biology techniques to discover unique plant natural products and characterize their biosynthetic enzymes. IOCB Prague is one of the leading research institutes in central Europe with a vibrant international environment, excellent instrumentation, and state-of-the-art core facilities located in modern buildings close to the Prague city center.

Relevant publications:

• Pluskal T, Torrens-Spence MP, Fallon TR, De Abreu A, Shi CH, Weng JK. The biosynthetic origin of psychoactive kavalactones in kava. Nature Plants 5:867

• Pluskal T, Weng JK. Natural product modulators of human sensations and mood: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Chemical Society Reviews 47:1592

• Mutabdžija, L. et al. (2024). Studying Plant Specialized Metabolites Using Computational Metabolomics Strategies. In: Maghuly, F. (eds) Plant Functional Genomics. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 2788. Humana, New York, NY.

Requirements

• PhD degree in the field of metabolomics, biochemistry, or molecular biology obtained no more than 5 years ago.

• Hands-on experience with high-resolution LC-MS, familiarity with metabolomics data processing. Experience with molecular networking is a plus.

• Good track record of previous scientific publications and achievements.

• Fluency in spoken and written English.

• Passion for basic research and science.

We offer

• Competitive salary

• 5 weeks of vacation + 4 days of personal leave

• Health insurance and full benefits package incl. contribution to pension, culture, and sport

• Lunch subsidy

• Financial support for parents with young children who return to work immediately after the maternity/parental leave

• Other IOCB employee benefits

Additional information

STARTING DATE

• late 2024 or early 2025

CONTRACT

• initial full-time fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension

How to apply

• Please email your CV with a list of publications, a cover letter or a research statement, and contact details of 2-3 references to Dr. Tomáš Pluskal: [email protected]