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At Dr Sebastian Zoll lab currently has 2 open positions for PhD students.
Job description:
Two positions for talented and self-motivated PhD students are open in the Zoll lab at IOCB Prague. The group focuses on understanding the structural basis of interactions between parasite surface proteins with human host factors to elucidate immune defence strategies of the parasite and foster the development of novel therapeutic strategies against neglected diseases.
The successful candidate will adopt an integrated structural biology approach, utilising single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and small-angle X-ray scattering, alongside various biophysical techniques to characterize protein-protein interactions (such as SPR, ITC, MALS, MST). The position will provide hands-on experience in a protein biochemistry lab, as well as training in structural data processing using Linux work stations.
The lab is well-funded and supported by a diverse network of international collaborators, providing excellent opportunities for the candidate to receive additional training in foreign host institutions.
Requirements:
They seek candidates who hold an M.Sc. in biology, biochemistry, or a related field and possess a keen interest in structural biology. The ideal candidate should be a team player with the drive and dedication to design experiments and analyse data independently. Proficiency in recombinant protein expression and purification is essential as well as an interest in computational work, while familiarity with core techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, crystallography, or small-angle X-ray scattering would be advantageous. Good English oral and written communication skills are mandatory.
How to apply:
Please send a motivation statement (max. 500 words), a copy of your CV and contact information for two references.
Feel free to contact Sebastian for informal enquiries. Dr Sebastian Zoll Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, sebastian.zoll@uochb.cas.cz
Relevant publications Sülzen, H., Began, J., Dhillon, A., Kereiche, S., Pompach, P., Votrubova, J., Zahedifard, F., Subrtova, A., Safner, M., Hubalek, M., Thompson, M., Zoltner, M., and Zoll, S. (2023) Cryo-EM structures of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense ISG65 with human complement C3 and C3b and their roles in alternative pathway restriction. Nature Communications 14, 2403
