"Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

Department: Lukáš Trantírek Research Group– Central European Institute of Technology

Deadline: 31 Mar 2026

Start date: To be negotiated, the sooner the better

Job type: full-time

Job field: Science and research

Come to CEITEC MU in Brno and join us!

We are passionate structural biologists (focused on NMR spectroscopy of nucleic acids) at CEITEC, looking for

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

in Non-Coding Genome Research group

About this position:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team!

The research project will focus on developing fluorine NMR methodologies to unravel the nucleic acid conformational landscapes.

G-quadruplexes (G4) and i-motifs (iM) are paradigmatic non-canonical nucleic acid structures that are abundant in the human genome and overrepresented in evolutionarily conserved and functionally important regions, including the telomeres, centromeres, and promoter regions of (onco)genes. They have been involved in pathobiological processes and the development of genetic instability-driven conditions, rendering them a fascinating subject within structural biology. This project will integrate ¹⁹F NMR and complementary biophysical assays on G-quadruplex- and i-Motif-forming DNA/RNA sequences to investigate their structural equilibrium, dynamics, and ligand binding interactome in vitro and in the intracellular space. The outcome will provide fundamental insights into the dynamic structural interconversion of non-canonical nucleic acid systems, enabling the fine-tuning of gene expression and associated cellular dysfunctions.

We are seeking a creative and independent individual with documented research experience relevant to this position. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fair hiring practices.

The ideal researcher (EU Researcher Profile: R2) profile:

Must-have:

• A PhD degree or equivalent in structural biology, Chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field.
• Expertise in biomolecular NMR and a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in the sample preparation, acquisition, processing, and resonance assignment of multidimensional solution NMR spectra for nucleic acid/ protein systems and their complexes with small ligand-like molecules.
• Familiarity with NMR data acquisition and analysis for characterising dynamics is advantageous.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills (publications, reports, presentations) in English.
• Motivated to establish an independent research direction within the group’s broad interests.

Nice-to-have:

• Nucleic acid labelling strategies (chemical, enzymatic synthesis, click chemistry basics)
• Complementary expertise in other biophysical assays to monitor biomolecular interactions/binding affinities (i.e. ITC, MST, BLI, etc.)
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

What we provide to you:

The position offers an exceptional opportunity to develop cutting-edge skills in integrative structural biology and to emerge in a highly translational research environment.

• Open access to CEITEC MU core facilities (https://www.ceitec.eu/core-facilities/) with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff members. Our group has regular access to high-field NMR spectrometers (600, 700, 850, and 950 MHz) and complementary equipment for biophysical, functional, and structural studies.
• Full-time contract with an attractive salary.
• Flexible working hours and occasional home office to support personal needs in family and career compatibility
• A seed funding opportunity with the possibility to apply for other prestigious grants, such as MSCA and EMBO (https://www.ceitec.eu/postdoc/t11610).
• Support for team members with diverse backgrounds and opportunities to collaborate across different research teams at Masaryk University/Europe.
• Support for further education and professional development
• Brno is in a great location in Central Europe with excellent quality of living (https://www.ceitec.eu/life-in-brno/t10426)
• Benefits package: 6 weeks of paid holiday, medical insurance, financial contribution to meals and kindergarten/pension scheme, Multisport card, mental health care, sports lessons directly at the Kindergarten Elánek in Campus
• Support in these areas:
  • Welcome Office service before and after arrival
  • Grant Office support
  • Postdoc Peer Committee
  • CEITEC events – workshops, conferences, lectures, training, family gatherings, etc.

How to apply?

Application deadline: 31.03.2026

Anticipated start date: To be negotiated, the sooner the better.

Applications, including a CV, a list of publications, and a motivation letter, along with contact information for at least three references, should be submitted via the online application form bellow.

Any troubles with the e-application? Please contact HR - Darja Horáková (darja.horakova@ceitec.muni.cz)