Postdoc position at the Laboratory of Photosynthesis

The Institute of Microbiology of the CAS, v. v. i. currently represents the largest workplace in the Czech Republic that comprehensively studies the properties of microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi and algae) and mammalian cell lines in terms of basic research and their practical applicability in industry or medicine.

The main research directions of the institute are cellular and molecular microbiology, genetics and physiology of microorganisms and their resistance to antibiotics, production of microbial metabolites and their biotransformation and breeding of production strains.

Important areas include soil ecology, ecotoxicology and microbial degradation of organic pollutants in the environment.

The immunological part of the institute is devoted to the importance of microorganisms in the phylogenetic and ontogenetic development of immunity and in the development of autoimmune diseases, and last but not least to the immunotherapy of cancer.

The Institute has four out-of-Prague workplaces, namely the ALGATECH Centre in Třeboň, the BIOCEV Centre in Vestec, the Laboratory of Gnotobiology in Nový Hrádek and the Congress, Training and Accommodation Centre in Nové Hrady.

Mikrobiologický ústav AV ČR, v. v. i. vyhlašuje v souladu se zákonem č. 283/1992 Sb. o Akademii věd České republiky, ve znění zákona č. 420/2005 Sb. a Stanov AV ČR výběrové řízení na pozici:

POSTDOC POSITION AT THE LABORATORY OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The Laboratory of Photosynthesis (Roman Sobotka’s group), Institute of Microbiology, Třeboň, Czech Republic, investigates the molecular principles of the assembly and maintenance of photosynthetic complexes in cyanobacteria (mainly Synechocystis PCC 6803). The group is currently participating in a large national project (Photomachines, 2024-2028), focusing on the development of a novel type of photosynthetic chassis for biotechnological applications. A specific task of our research group is the design of light harvesting antennae for cyanobacteria, which will be based on chlorophyll and carotenoid cofactors and functionally similar to the Light Harvesting Complexes of algae and plants. By using a small and pigment-rich antenna system, the original light harvesting complexes (phycobilisomes) in the cyanobacterium can be used as a large and rapidly degradable source of organic carbon and nitrogen molecules and directed towards a desired bioproduct.

Candidates are invited to apply for a full-time Postdoc position starting from June 2nd 2025 for one-year contract, which can be extended for two more years in 2026 (three years in total).

The methodology of the project may include:

• In silico design, structure prediction and molecular dynamics of new antenna proteins for Synechocystis PCC 6803        
• Construction of Synechocystis mutants, characterization of their phenotypes, genome sequencing, heterologous expression
• Purification and analysis of membrane protein complexes – pulldown assays, 2D gel systems, immunodetection, protein mass‐spectrometry
• Preparation of protein samples for Cryo-EM, analysis of Cryo-EM data
• HPLC and FPLC, various chromatographic techniques of proteins and pigments (ion‐exchange, gel‐filtration, reverse‐phase)

Our requirements:

• PhD in natural sciences/life sciences (biochemistry, microbiology/plant biology, molecular biology, chemistry)
• Good knowledge of standard techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology and in bioinformatics is expected
• Additional experience in the physiology of algae/cyanobacteria, omics (protein mass‐spectrometry, genomics) or biophysical methods (spectroscopy techniques) is helpful

We offer:

• A challenging project involving partners from several top universities
• well-equipped laboratories and a team of friendly people who enjoy their work
• Flexible working hours
• six weeks’ vacation

Further information: Prof. Roman Sobotka | +420‐384340491 | [email protected]

http://www.alga.cz/sobotka-lab.html

Complete applications in English should include a motivation letter, curriculum vitae containing full academic record and a list of publications, brief statement of research experiences and two potential references. The application should be submitted by April 30, 2025 to email: [email protected]