"POSTDOC POSITION in Oncogenic Signalling"

Department: Stjepan Uldrijan Research Group – 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 Oncogenic Signalling

Description:

The Stjepan Uldrijan Research Group at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team studying the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression.

Our research focuses on understanding how hyperactivation of growth-controlling signalling pathways reshapes cellular signalling networks and influences the response of malignant melanoma to immunotherapy and targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. The project will also investigate the regulatory roles of individual dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) in the negative modulation of the MAPK/ERK pathway activity in tumour cells. This project builds directly upon our recent discovery of translational control of the ERK signalling pathway in malignant melanoma (Valcikova et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2024, 121(44):e2321305121), opening new perspectives for identifying more effective therapeutic strategies for this aggressive cancer.

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:

• High motivation, genuine passion for scientific exploration, and research integrity.
• A strong background in molecular or cellular biology, signalling pathways, or molecular cancer research.
• A prior experience with melanoma biology and MAPK signalling pathways is beneficial, but it is not a mandatory requirement.
• Excellent communication abilities and a collaborative spirit.
• Fluency in English.

Include these in your application:

• A comprehensive CV detailing your publication history
• A copy of your Ph.D. 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.
• 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.
• A competitive salary, commensurate with the applicant's skills and proficiency.
• 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 it to the shortlist will receive invitations for interviews within one month following the application deadline.