Postdoctoral position in synthesis and chemical biology of modified RNA

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 POSITION IN SYNTHESIS AND CHEMICAL BIOLOGY OF MODIFIED RNA

GROUP Michal Hocek Group Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry of Nucleic Acids

The Hocek group is interested in synthetic, bioorganic and medicinal chemistry of nucleic acids and their components. Novel types of modified derivatives and analogues of nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides and nucleic acids are designed and prepared for applications in all areas of biomedicinal sciences (medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, bioanalysis etc.). Basic developments of methodology for the synthesis of these modified biomolecules are performed largely using modern methods (including metal- or enzyme-catalyzed reactions).

Biological activity (antitumor, antiviral etc.) of the novel nucleobases, nucleosides and nucleotides is systematically studied in collaboration with several groups both in academia and in pharmaceutical industry, including mechanism of action and preclinical development of promising new cytostatics.

Enzymatic synthesis of functionalized nucleic acids bearing diverse interesting and useful substituents is developed and the modified oligonucleotides or nucleic acids are applied in bioanalysis (redox labelling for electrochemical detection or environment-sensitive fluorescence labelling for fluorescent microscopy) or in chemical biology (regulation of gene expression or cross-linking of DNA probes with proteins).

Job description

A fully-funded postdoctoral position in the Research Group Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry of Nucleic Acids (headed by Prof. Michal Hocek) for an initial period of one year (with possibility to prolong) starting from 1 April 2024 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a highly motivated and creative scientist with strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry.

The project will deal with the chemical and enzymatic synthesis of base-modified RNA and XNA for applications in chemical biology and development of RNA therapeutics.

For more info about the group, research, and publications, see.

The successful candidate will work at an excellent European institution with state-of-the-art facilities in an international group of PhD students and postdocs. Prague offers a stimulating atmosphere to accomplish your goals and is an excellent place to live.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree

• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or chemical biology is required

• Good oral and written communication skills in English

• Creative practical lab experience

• Independence, accountability, and reliability

• Good communication and organizational skills

• Prior experience with nucleotide and oligonucleotide synthesis and chemistry is an advantage

We offer

• Working in a young, promising, and progressive scientific team of biologists, medicinal chemists, virologists, immunologists, computational chemists, and biochemists

• Competitive financial remuneration

• 5 weeks of paid vacation plus 4 days of personal leave

• Health insurance and full benefits package incl. contribution to supplementary pension insurance and contribution to sports / culture/ leisure time

• Meal subsidy

• Financial support for parents with young children

• State-of-the-art instrumentation portfolio

• Location in the stunning city of Prague

Additional information

STARTING DATE

• 1 April 2024

CONTRACT

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

How to apply

Please send your structured CV, list of publications, and contacts to three persons of reference to Prof. Michal Hocek at the following e-mail address: [email protected] by 8 March 2024.

All applications received before 8 March 2024 will be considered. After this date, additional applications may be considered until the position is filled.

Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Please note that if you are not contacted within 5 weeks, we have given preference to candidates who more closely meet the criteria. Thank you for your understanding.