The Laboratory of Photosynthesis (Roman Sobotka’s group), Institute of Microbiology, Třeboň, Czech Republic, investigates the molecular principles of the assembly and maintenance of photosynthetic complexes in cyanobacteria (mainly Synechocystis PCC 6803). The group is currently participating in a large national project (Photomachines, 2024-2028), focusing on the development of a novel type of photosynthetic chassis for biotechnological applications. A specific task of our research group is the design of light harvesting antennae for cyanobacteria, which will be based on chlorophyll and carotenoid cofactors and functionally similar to the Light Harvesting Complexes of algae and plants. By using a small and pigment-rich antenna system, the original light harvesting complexes (phycobilisomes) in the cyanobacterium can be used as a large and rapidly degradable source of organic carbon and nitrogen molecules and directed towards a desired bioproduct.
Candidates are invited to apply for a full-time Postdoc position starting from June 2nd 2025 for one-year contract, which can be extended for two more years in 2026 (three years in total).
Job description
The methodology of the project may include:
- In silico design, structure prediction and molecular dynamics of new antenna proteins for Synechocystis PCC 6803
- Construction of Synechocystis mutants, characterization of their phenotypes, genome sequencing, heterologous expression
- Purification and analysis of membrane protein complexes – pulldown assays, 2D gel systems, immunodetection, protein mass‐spectrometry
- Preparation of protein samples for Cryo-EM, analysis of Cryo-EM data
- HPLC and FPLC, various chromatographic techniques of proteins and pigments (ion‐exchange, gel‐filtration, reverse‐phase)
Requirements
- PhD in natural sciences/life sciences (biochemistry, microbiology/plant biology, molecular biology, chemistry)
- Good knowledge of standard techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology and in bioinformatics is expected
- Additional experience in the physiology of algae/cyanobacteria, omics (protein mass‐spectrometry, genomics) or biophysical methods (spectroscopy techniques) is helpful
We offer
- 6 weeks of vacation
- Flexible working hours
- Contributions from the social fund (meal vouchers, Cafeteria, MultiSport, pension plan contribution, vaccination, children’s recreation, etc.)
- Support for further education (language and professional courses)
- Young, dynamic and supportive team
- A challenging project involving partners from several top universities
- well-equipped laboratories and a team of friendly people who enjoy their work
Additional information
| Start date: | June 2025 |
How to apply
Complete applications in English should include a motivation letter, curriculum vitae containing full academic record and a list of publications, brief statement of research experiences and two potential references. The application should be submitted by April 30, 2025 to email:
Deadline: 30/4/2025
