Research Specialist

Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities. 

We are creating a centre of scientific excellence whose results contribute to the improvement of the quality of life and human health.

Applications are invited for an almost 3-year research position (until the end of the project, 30 June 2028) in the research group of Prof. RNDr. Jiří Fajkus, CSc. 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). Position of the Research Specialist WP4 will be held under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Petra Prochazkova Schrumpfova.

Prof. Jiri Fajkus is a leading authority on plant telomere biology (characterizing telomere chromatin structure and epigenetic control, telomere/telomerase components), DNA damage response in rDNA, and telomere stability. Assoc. Prof. Petra Prochazkova Schrumpfova is an expert on telomeric-sequence and telomerase associated proteins, which may serve as the epigenetic regulators facilitating metastable changes in gene activities.

The researcher will be mainly involved in research activities within work package No. 4 Hybridization (Genomic conflicts accompanying polyploidization and interspecific hybridization).

The research will be focused on telomeric repeats, their epigenomic control, and reprograming of biogenesis pathways related to these sequences and telomerase regulation.

RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Requirements:

• Must be in active PhD studies no later than the date of starting the position
• Strong expertise in at least one of the following specializations: A scientific background with an emphasis on molecular biology, genomics or proteomics is required. Additionally, a basic understanding of bioinformatics and advanced expertise in this field is advantageous, although not a mandatory requirement.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• Practical lab experience
• Independence, accountability, and reliability
• Good communication and organizational skills

We offer:

• Young, enthusiastic, and progressive scientific team
• An attractive salary and benefits package (6 weeks of paid holiday, financial meal contribution, multisport card, and sports lessons directly at the campus, special employee bank products, kindergarten/pension scheme)
• State-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities
• Environment promoting interdisciplinarity in research
• Background of a recognized and successful institution with a supportive and international working environment
• Institutional support: further education and professional development, Welcome Office service, Grant Office service, CEITEC events, Postdoc Committee Association

Additional information:

• Start date: The initial start date is September 1st, 2025, or upon agreement
• Job type: part-time (0,5 FTE)
• Duration: initial full-time fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension up to five years
• Application deadline: 23 8. 2025 or until the position is filled

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

Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Please note that if you are not contacted within five weeks, we have preferred candidates who more closely meet the criteria. Thank you for being so understanding.