Postdoctoral Researcher/Junior Scientist

Central European Institute of Technology of Masaryk University (CEITEC MU)

Brno, Czech Republic | www.ceitec.eu

We are the Czech Republic’s flagship basic research institute based at Masaryk University. Our modern in-house core facilities, which provide open access to the latest technologies and expertise, currently support more than 500 researchers from over 35 countries, who are together pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the areas of structural biology, molecular medicine, genomics and proteomics of plant systems, and neuroscience.

CEITEC MU is a proud holder of the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award . We were the first research institution in the Czech Republic that secured one of the top places in the Company of the Year: Equal Opportunities 2020  competition.

See what onboarding at CEITEC MU looks like here .

About the position:

Applications are invited for a junior research position in the research group of doc. RNDr. Jan Hejátko, Ph.D. to join the TowArds Next GENeration Crops (TANGENC) project, reg. number CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004581, ” in Programme Johannes Amos Comenius (Czech Republic - The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, co-funded by the European Union).

The researcher will mainly participate in research activity 3.2. Delaying growth proliferation arrest to increase seed yield to fulfil the objectives of the project's work package No.3 - Reproduction (Reproductive Fitness under abiotic stress.

Sexual reproduction is one of the key determinants of crop yield. It takes place in flowers that differentiate from floral meristems during the generative phase of the plant life cycle. After fertilization, flowers give rise to seeds and fruits, the structures harvested in most crops. Certain phases of plant reproduction are extremely sensitive to abiotic stress, namely elevated temperatures and connected drought that cause decreased crop yield. Thus, understanding the processes that govern flowering and sexual reproduction and the basis of their sensitivity to abiotic stress is critical for the development of crops better adapted to climate change.

Mechanisms underlying the regulation of the inflorescence/floral meristem activity integrating various signal types (hormonal, temperature, nutritional) and controlling cessation of its activity (growth proliferation arrest) will be studied in Arabidopsis . The inflorescence meristem activity will be manipulated at the level of hormonal signaling, biosynthesis, or transport to increase seed production. This proof-of-concept study will indicate this approach's viability for crop applications.

The researcher will be working under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Jan Hejátko, Ph.D., who has a long-term experience with research on the mechanisms underlying hormonal regulations and their importance in diverse aspects of plant development, including plant reproduction.

What we are looking for:

• highly motivated researcher able to work independently yet open to frequent interactions within our research team.
• researcher within 7 years (as of July 2024) after receiving their PhD degree or its equivalent (equivalent to ISCED level 8) in Molecular/Developmental Biology, Genetics/Genomics, Biochemistry/Proteomics and/or related fields.
• ability of excellent communication in English
• strength in interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset (proven ability to supervise/interact with students/other members of the team is advantageous)
• ability to demonstrate a capacity for innovative research, new methods & methodologies

What we offer:

• position within worldrecognized and goaloriented team, working in the leadingedge research
• an attractive salary and benefits package (6 weeks of paid holiday, financial meal contribution, MU canteens, retirement contribution, multisport card and sports lessons directly at the campus, special employee bank products)
• background of a recognized and successful institution with a supportive and international working environment
• environment promoting interdisciplinarityin research
• inhouse core facilities
• support for further education and professional development
• support of administrative departments (including grant office)
• support with relocation (welcome office services)

What else you need to know:

Duration: fixed term with possibility of extension (planned termination in project is 06/2028)

Applications including a CV, a brief motivation letter, and contacts for at least two references should be sent via e- application below the advertisement.

In the case of any difficulties filling out the e-application, please contact [email protected]

Selection procedure committee members are: the head of the research group and a representative of the research group/core facility/HR department.

In justified cases, the job announcer can extend, interrupt or cancel the selection procedure. 

Still hesitating whether to join us?

We value our employees, and we support them from their very first day at CEITEC. We are an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and offer a highly collaborative, collegial and family-friendly, international working environment with relocation assistance through our Welcome Office. The selected candidate will become a part of the CEITEC scientific community with access to in-house core facilities and professional administrative support. You will become part of an international team of experts in their fields, who together contribute to improving human life and health. Have a look at what your potential peers say about working at CEITEC MU.

Brno is a lively city surrounded by beautiful countryside. It is a top destination for many educated expatriates working in the areas of science and technology. Brno is located in the heart of Europe and offers a great standard of living.

For more information about the recruitment process, refer to CEITEC MU Recruitment Policy .  

For more information about our career system, refer to CEITEC MU Career System .

For more information about onboarding process, refer to a short video .