One PhD Student Position is available in Mechanistic Environmental Toxicology

15 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Masaryk University - Faculty of Science – RECETOX

Department

RECETOX

Research Field

Environmental science
Biological sciences
Chemistry » Biochemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Czech Republic

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Prague)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Part-time

Hours Per Week

20

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Program: Environmental Health Sciences 
Specialization: Environmental chemistry and toxicology 
Dissertation topic: Revealing the mechanisms of prenatal chemical exposure effect on a child´s immunity.
Supervisor: Dr. Ondrej Adamovsky
Location: RECETOX, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic.
Deadline: 31.3.2024

General information:

A PhD position is available at the Masaryk University Center RECETOX (Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment). The appointed PhD Fellow will join Dr. Adamovsky's group, which is focused on the mechanistic investigation of chemical-induced adverse health outcomes. We are a renowned research group committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding by researching experimental (in vitro, in vivo) and population data. Our interdisciplinary team of experts is dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of environmental sciences in its entirety, employing molecular biology techniques, advanced biostatistics and bioinformatics, and epidemiology analyses. We invite you to be a part of our innovative research journey.

The position’s field of research

The human fetus is exposed to environmental chemicals during the prenatal period through its mother. The prenatal period and developing immune system are highly sensitive targets to the toxicity of environmental chemicals. The impact of chemical exposure on health, specifically exposure to complex chemical exposures, is unknown. Our research aims to understand better how individual chemicals and their mixtures contribute to immune-mediated diseases in childhood by employing the latest toxicogenomic and molecular biology approaches (genome-wide transcriptomics, flow cytometry). Further, in vitro experiments could also be employed to verify the results of the experimental design. Our scientific premise is that prenatal chemical exposure deregulates immunity development and can affect child immunity later in life. In this groundbreaking Ph.D. position, the student will embark on an exciting adventure to study the impact of chemicals and will get knowledge regarding the deregulation of molecular processes and immunity. Such investigation is part of a larger scientific project supported by The Czech Science Foundation (GACR) and opens opportunities for international cooperation and networking.

As a PhD researcher, you will embark on an exciting journey to:

• Employ cutting-edge molecular techniques, including transcriptomics and basic biostatistics/bioinformatics, to unravel the complex effects of chemicals on biological processes.
• Investigate how prenatal exposure deregulates early markers of immunity.
• Contribute to the development and establishment of pipeline processing mother-child cohort data.
• Combine laboratory work with data analysis and interpretation to understand issues within the field of environmental health entirely.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, toxicology, or other related fields (required at the time of enrolment to the PhD study program)
• Laboratory skills in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, western blot)
• Knowledge of basic cell and molecular processes, ideally including immune signaling
• A background in basic statistical analysis
• Passion for environmental health research and a desire to positively impact human health and the environment.
• High level of commitment to complete the PhD studies
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research team.
• Good communication skills (oral and written) in English

Advantageous if you have prior training/experience in:

• R-programming, data processing
• Advanced statistics employing sequencing data and/or epidemiological data
• Flow cytometry and/or Next-generation sequencing

Ph.D. student position

• A 4-year Ph.D. program with financial support for 4 years
• Interdisciplinary scientific topics
• Excellent and state-of-the-art research infrastructure
• International mobility
• International and friendly environment
• Courses developing transferable skills

Offered condition:

The selected candidate will receive comprehensive training in environmental epidemiology, including concepts utilized in the next-generation risk assessment (e.g., adverse outcome pathways, new approach methodologies, omics technologies), advanced biostatistics methods that can be employed for data processing and analysis of both trancriptomic and human cohort data.

In addition to the standard PhD scholarship at Masaryk University (CZK 15 000 per month), additional funds are provided through departmental resources (assignment in research projects, additional scholarships). An overall monthly income is typically around CZK 29 000 (net salary). Additional support includes bonuses for exceptional work and support for international mobility or attendance of conferences, etc.

Please send your curriculum vitae cover letter with a concise summary of your previous research activities to [email protected] . Received applications will be continuously reviewed and carefully considered. Shortlisted applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to an interview.

Selection Process

Received applications will be continuously reviewed and carefully considered. Shortlisted applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to an interview.

Please note that your application does not substitute an official admission process to Ph.D. studies at SCI MUNI. Details, including discussion about the research topic, required documentation, or formalities, will be the subject of the interview with successful candidates. Only upon informal pre-agreement with a potential future supervisor can a formal application for Ph.D. studies at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, be submitted.

About the workplace

Masaryk University is a modern, dynamic, and attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 6000 staff and 30 000 students, a wide range of research areas, and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.

Faculty of Science MU , holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty offering university education (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of  Masaryk University, generating around 40 % of MU research results.

RECETOX  focuses on interdisciplinary research and education in the area of Environment & Health, studying toxic compounds and their behaviour, transport & bioaccumulation to evaluate environmental effects, assess the exposure and health risks to humans, and develop technologies and biotechnologies to break them down.

Brno , the capital city of the South Moravian Region, situated approximately halfway between Prague and Vienna, is the largest university town in the Czech Republic and a modern metropolis with a long history and culture. Recognizing the university's significant role in making Brno one of the most innovative cities in the CEE region, it continuously supports, together with the South Moravian Region, the local scientific, start-up, and high-tech communities.

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Masaryk University; RECETOX

Country

Czech Republic

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Brno

Website

http://www.recetox.muni.cz

Street

Kamenice 753/5

Postal Code

625 00

STATUS: EXPIRED