3D electron diffraction specialist in cryo-EM core facility

Přehled

IOCB Prague is a world-leading scientific institution dedicated to chemical and biological research. At IOCB, there is a strong emphasis on the translation of results from basic research into applications, such as drug discovery.

The cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) core facility, in collaboration with Dr. Lukas Palatinus from the Institute of Physics, aims to establish the 3D electron diffraction (ED) methodology in order to routinely characterize small molecules, such as products of synthetic chemistry or natural products. The 3D ED methodology will foster the local structural determination of such molecules with emphasis on the determination of the absolute configuration.

At IOCB, we have local access to a basic cryo-EM screening microscope (JEOL JEM2100plus) and dedicated instrumentation for 3D ED, the 200kV TFS Talos Glacios with Ceta-D detector. In the future, the 3D ED setup could be extended with a hybrid pixel detector. In collaboration with Dr. Palatinus, a local computing infrastructure has been established to perform data analysis.

The successful candidate will be a key and valued member of the cryo-EM core facility. The post holder will be responsible for establishing and developing the local 3D ED workflow, including sample preparation, screening, data collection, and data analysis. The main output will be high-resolution 3D ED structure determination of small molecules. The candidate will be in charge of writing scientific reports and communicating results with other academic scientists from the IOCB Prague. The candidate will be responsible for the administration of the 3D ED data. The candidate will help other users to familiarize themselves with the 3D ED workflow and help to write the 3D ED workflow documentation.

The candidate should have experience with diffraction experiments.

Responsibilities:

• 3E ED sample preparation, screening, data collection, and data analysis
• Maintenance and development of 3D ED methodology
• Scientific reporting and communication with the IOCB research groups
• 3E ED data administration
• 3D ED workflow documentation

Required:

• Basic experience with diffraction experiments
• Basic experience with electron microscopy
• Willingness to continuously learn and close knowledge gaps as needed
• Capacity to communicate and interact with other IOCB scientists
• Fluency in English, written and oral
• Responsibility, reliability, careful approach

Desirable:

• PhD degree
• Experience with 3D ED data analysis software package environments
• Experience in 3D ED data collection and analysis automation

We offer:

• Support for 3D ED training
• Competitive financial remuneration
• 5 weeks of vacation plus 4 personal leave days
• Health insurance and full benefits package incl. contribution to supplementary pension insurance and contribution to sports/culture/leisure time
• Meals subsidy
• Financial support for mothers with young children
• State-of-the-art instrumentation portfolio

Additional information:

• Full-time employment contract
• Fixed-term contract initially for 1 year with anticipated extension
• The position is available immediately

How to apply:

Your application should be sent to Dr. Tomáš Kouba at

The application should consist of a cover letter (max. one page) describing your motivation, interests, and experience; a curriculum vitae (max. two pages), and contact information of at least two references.

Applications will be reviewed and considered until the position is filled.

Source:

IOCB Prague / Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences ) is a leading internationally recognized scientific institution whose primary mission is the pursuit of basic research in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and materials chemistry, chemistry of natural substances, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. An integral part of the IOCB Prague's mission is the implementation of the results of basic research in practice. Emphasis on interdisciplinary research gives rise to a wide range of applications in medicine, pharmacy, and other fields.