Postdoctoral position in Comparative genomics of parasitic protists

The applicants should have (i) a recent Ph.D. (the degree obtained no earlier than on 28th of March 2008), (ii) promising publication record and also be able to speak fluent English or Czech. After the initial contact with the group leader Jan Tachezy jan.tachezy@natur.cuni.cz,
please send signed CV and notarized proof of study to: Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of HR, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic. Please sign the envelope with “POSTDOC II”. Alternatively, the documents can be sent to postdoc2@natur.cuni.cz The CV should contain list of publications (including the impact factor and the number of citations) according to Web of Science. The contract will start on 1st of August 2012 or later and will be signed for 30 months. The position is funded by the European Social Fund in the Czech Republic and includes additional funds for the international mobility (up to 6 month). The monthly salary starts at 40 000 CZK.

Description

Seek an energetic self-motivated scientist in functional genomics and molecular phylogeny for postdoctoral position to join research team in the Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, Charles University in Prague. The Postdoctoral Fellow will work on a comparative genomic study of free-living protists Mastigamoeba balamuthi and its parasitic relative Entamoeba histolytica. Analyses of genome sequences of free-living relatives of parasitic species are critical for understanding of evolution of parasitism. We expect that comparison of proposed genomes might allow to identify which genome components have been lost and which changes have contributed to the reductive evolution of the genome in relation to parasitism. We might also identify features of parasitic genomes that are related to their free-living ancestry, modifications of ancestral genes facilitating novel function related to adaptations to new niches as well as acquisition of novel genes involved in parasite-host relationship and pathogenicity. The study includes (i) determination of a genome sequence of M. balamuthi and its bioinformatic comparison with the genome sequence available for E. histolytica, and (ii) comparative studies of selected cellular functions that might be associated with a transition of a free-living to parasitic lifestyle.

Requirements: Candidate must have a strong background in functional genomics and molecular phylogeny, particularly experience in large-scale data analysis using bioinformatics tools and databases is required. Candidate should demonstrate expertise in statistical and machine learning research, candidate should be highly motivated and hard-working person with interested to work with a multi-disciplinary research team combining genomics and experimental biology. The applicant will be responsible for conducting research in the lab, and supervising students. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate well within a team are essential