Post Doc

Funded Postdoctoral Positions at Masaryk University, the Czech Republic

February 7, 2021

Designation/Position- Funded Postdoctoral Positions

Masaryk University, the Czech Republic invites application for Funded Postdoctoral Positions from eligible and interested candidates

About- The Central European Institute of Technology – Masaryk University (CEITEC MU) is an independent university institute that was established at Masaryk University as part of a scientific centre of excellence, CEITEC – Central European Institute of Technology. CEITEC MU represents a key part of the state-of-the-art research infrastructure that is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and excellent conditions for fundamental, as well as applied research, especially in the area of life sciences. Our institute’s modern building can be found at the University Campus in Brno-Bohunice.

Research/Job Area- Genetics, neuroscience or immunology, research focused on ADARs, the RNA editing/modification enzymes

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Location- Masaryk University, Brno, Czech republic

Eligibility/Qualification–

The postdoctoral candidates should have a PhD in genetics, neuroscience or immunology, preference will be given to candidates who have research experience with either mice or Drosophila.
We are looking for applicants who are motivated and creative.
The applicant has to have good English language skills – both spoken and written.
For additional information on our research please go to https://www.ceitec.eu/era-chair-rna-and-immunity-mary-oconnell/rg112.

Job/Position Description-

4.5 year funded postdoctoral positions for Drosophila or mouse geneticists

Two funded postdoctoral positions are available at The Central European Institute of Technology – Masaryk University (CEITEC MU) in Brno, Czech Republic.
These positions are available in ongoing projects in the group of RNA and Immunity run by Mary O’Connell and Liam Keegan, to participate in research focused on ADARs, the RNA editing/modification enzymes.
The research group is seeking researchers with expertise in either Drosophila or mouse genetics.
The ADAR enzymes deaminate adenosine bases in dsRNA in pre-mRNAs to inosine, which can be read as guanosine by the translational machinery, recoding individual codons in some ADAR-edited transcripts.
In vertebrates, one of the most critical recording events maintains the calcium impermeability of GluA2 subunit-containing AMPA receptors.
Adenosine to inosine conversion in endogenous dsRNA also helps the cell distinguish self from foreign/viral/pathogenic dsRNA.
This is essential as, without it, unedited endogenous dsRNA binds to cellular dsRNA sensors and activates innate immune responses (Mannion doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.10.041).
A postdoctoral fellow will investigate these roles of Adar1 and Adar2 further using mouse mutants and cell cultures that are available within the group.
In Drosophila, many important neuronal transcripts are edited by the single Adar.
The Adar mutant is partially viable and suffers ataxia as well as synaptic defects and age-related neurodegeneration (doi: 10.1186/s12915-020-0747-0).
The Drosophila mutant also has aberrant innate immune induction and antiviral response activation (doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-15435-1).
A postdoctoral fellow will study aberrant sleep and circadian rhythms in Adar mutants.
Start date: Date/immediately/negotiable

How to Apply-

Applications should include a CV, list of publications, a scanned copy of the PhD or an official letter certifying submission of the thesis and the planned defence date, brief motivation letter, and contacts for at least two references should be sent via e-application here: https://www.muni.cz/en/about-us/careers/vacancies/60034

In the case of any difficulties filling out the e-application, please contact Katerina Alegria on katerina.alegria@ceitec.muni.cz or mary.oconnell@ceitec.muni.cz