07 Postdoctoral Fellowship at Masaryk University, Czech Republic

A post-doctoral position is open in the Research Group of Petr Tesina to study human translation control. The research project will investigate structures of ribosomal complexes involved in human translation control. As an alternative focus, human-host pathogen interaction-focused projects are also pursued in the lab. State-of-the-art instruments for cryo-EM are available at local core facility and are accessible on a regular basis. Comprehensive training in cryo-EM techniques will be available to the successful candidate. The lab has recently acquired generous third-party funding including an ERC Starting Grant. We are seeking a creative, independent and driven individual with documented research experience related to this position. Candidates with strong research experience in structural biology and translation are especially encouraged to apply.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess the ability to disrupt the membrane barrier function, effectively eliminating bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. Consequently, AMPs have emerged as promising candidates for the development of a new class of therapeutics. However, the majority of known AMPs exhibit toxic properties due to their origin from human-unfriendly sources, such as venoms. Our understanding of peptide targeting mechanisms towards specific pathogens and their membranes remains limited, hindering further peptide development. This ERC funded project aims to identify peptide sequence motifs that are responsible for selective targeting pathogens with respect to human cells. Apart from the differences in lipid composition of membranes, we will investigate the impact of membrane local curvature. The main tool for the study will be Molecular dynamics simulations with free energy calculations using Gromacs program package. These simulations will be complemented by in-house experiments providing crucial verification and feedback on peptide-membrane affinity. The acquired knowledge will guide the design of de novo peptides with enhanced pathogen-targeting specificity. This ERC funded project aims to identify peptide sequence motifs that are responsible for targeting pathogens, while maintaining minimal toxicity towards human cells. In conjunction with the lipid composition of membranes, we will investigate the impact of membrane local curvature. The main tool will be Molecular dynamics simulations with free energy calculations using Gromacs program package. These simulations will be complemented by in-house experiments providing crucial verification and feedback on peptide-membrane affinity. The acquired knowledge will guide the design of de novo peptides with enhanced pathogen-targeting specificity.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess the ability to disrupt the membrane barrier function, effectively eliminating bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. Consequently, AMPs have emerged as promising candidates for the development of a new class of therapeutics. However, the majority of known AMPs exhibit toxic properties due to their origin from human-unfriendly sources, such as venoms. Furthermore, our understanding of peptide targeting mechanisms towards specific pathogens and their membranes remains limited, hindering further advancements in this field. This ERC funded project aims to identify peptide sequence motifs that are responsible for targeting pathogens, while maintaining minimal toxicity towards human cells. In conjunction with the lipid composition of membranes, we will investigate the impact of membrane local curvature. The main tool will be Molecular dynamics simulations with free energy calculations using Gromacs program package. These simulations will be complemented by in-house experiments providing crucial verification and feedback on peptide-membrane affinity. The acquired knowledge will guide the design of de novo peptides with enhanced pathogen-targeting specificity.

• To perform x-ray scattering measurements on selected advanced materials
• To analyze the data using phenomenological models and/or to design related new experimental setups, eventually to help to develop software for x-ray data analysis
• To write papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• To present his/her results at international conferences

• To participate in selecting specific problems (this will be done together with professors of the Department of Condensed Matter Physics)
• To use and to be responsible for the PLD system, joining to assisting both graduated and undergraduate students to use the PLD
• To perform VSM, XRD, XAS and XMCD measurements on selected advanced materials and to analyze the data using simulations if possible
• To write papers for publication in peer reviewed journals
• To present his/her results at international conferences

The Center for Early Medieval Studies, Department of Art History, and the Department of Archaeology and Museology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, announce a selection procedure for the position of a post-doctoral specialist in the historiography of humanities. The position is open for a four-and-a-half-year OP JAK project “Ready for Future: Understanding the Long-Term Resilience of Human Cultures (RES-HUM)”, reg. no. CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004593, implemented at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University. The position is offered on a full-time basis of 1,0 FTE (i.e. 40 hours per week). The successful applicant will take up the position from 1 January 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.