"POSTDOC POSITION in Cell Biology and Microglia Research"

Department: Dáša Bohačiaková Research Group: Neurobiology of the Development and Disease – Faculty of Medicine

Deadline: 31 Jan 2026

Start date: April 2026 or upon agreement

Job type: full-time

Job field: Science and research

Medical Faculty of Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic invites excellent scientists to apply for a two-year POSTDOC POSITION in Cell Biology and Microglia Research

Description:

Our laboratory studies neurological disorders with a current emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and glioblastoma by dissecting the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Using a suite of human stem-cell-based models (iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, cerebral organoids, neuron/astrocyte co-cultures and patient-derived glioblastoma samples and tumoroids), we investigate pathways and signaling that drive pathology across AD, glioblastoma, and other neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, schizophrenia).

We are recruiting an experienced postdoc with several years of hands-on expertise in differentiating and characterizing iPSC-derived microglia to lead our microglia-focused programs in AD and other neurodegenerative/neurological models. The role will drive studies in advanced co-cultures and organoids, deploy CRISPR perturbations and functional assays to map disease pathways, and help establish reproducible 3D testing platforms to evaluate candidate therapeutics across AD, glioblastoma, or additional indications.

Team currently consists of 10 Postdoctoral Researchers (including 2 bioinformaticians), and 9 undergraduate and graduate students, all proficient in their respective fields.

The successful candidate should:

• Hold a Ph.D. or its equivalent, awarded within the past 7 years, AND have worked in research for at least 2 years of work, within the last 3 years, outside the Czech Republic (with a workload equivalent to at least 0.5 full-time employment)
• Alternatively, hold a Ph.D. diploma (or equivalent) from an international institution awarded within the past 3 years
• Demonstrate a publication record that includes a minimum of three research outputs (articles) within the past three years, surpassing the field's median standards, with at least two of them ranked in Q1 according to Web of Science.

Specific qualifications include:

• Have experience in working with cancer cell biology or stem cell-based disease modeling
• Be proficient in advanced cell culture techniques, such as 3D cultures and co-culture systems
• Have prior experience in molecular biology techniques, such as RNA sequencing, Western blotting, qPCR, immunocytochemistry, or live-cell imaging
• Show an aptitude for designing and executing drug testing protocols, including the analysis of therapeutic efficacy in 3D systems
• Exhibit strong communication and teamwork skills, with a commitment to collaborative research

Include these in your application:

• A comprehensive CV detailing your publication history
• A copy of your PhD diploma
• Contact information for two referees who can provide insights into your qualifications
• A brief but substantive description of your research focus and the specific topic you intend to investigate. Justify the relevance of this research within the field.
• Submission of documents validating that you have accumulated a minimum of two full years of work experience outside the Czech Republic within the past three years, and/or proof of a Ph.D. diploma from a foreign institution.

We offer:

• Access to Core Facilities and state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced imaging and sequencing technologies
• An exceptionally competitive salary, commensurate with the applicant's skills and proficiency.
• An enticing position within a rapidly evolving university precinct.
• A range of diverse and stimulating responsibilities within an outstanding research environment.
• An initial two-year appointment.
• The opportunity to collaborate with a professional team in a comfortable work environment.
• Interaction with renowned scientists within an inspiring, globally-connected setting.
• A dedicated welcome service tailored to the needs of the successful candidate and their family.

Anticipated start date: The position is available from April 2026 or upon agreement

The submission deadline is 31st January 2026

Please submit e-application.

For more information, please contact Martina Vrablikova by e-mail vrablikova@med.muni.cz.

The assessment of applications will begin promptly upon the deadline's closure. Candidates who make the shortlist will receive invitations for interviews within one month following the application deadline.