3D ED specialist in cryo-EM core facility
Tomáš Kouba Group
Job description
IOCB Prague is a world-leading scientific institution dedicated to chemical and biological research. At IOCB, we place a strong emphasis on the translation of results from basic research into applications, such as drug discovery.
The cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) core facility, in collaboration with Dr. Palatinus from the Institute of Physics, aims to establish cutting-edge 3D ED methodology to routinely characterize small molecules, such as products of synthetic chemistry experiments or natural products. The 3D ED methodology will enhance the local structural determination of these molecules, with a particular focus on determining their absolute configuration.
At IOCB, we have local access to a basic cryo-EM screening microscope (JEOL JEM2100plus) and regular access to high-end cryo-EM instrumentation at the CIETEC cryo-EM core facility. In 2025, we will open our own cryo-EM facility with dedicated instrumentation for 3D ED (200kV TFS Talos Glacios with Ceta-D detector). In collaboration with the high-performance computing core facility, we have access to a local computing cluster to support data analysis.
The successful candidate will be a key and valued member of the cryo-EM core facility. They will be responsible for developing a local 3D ED pipeline, including sample preparation, screening, data collection, and data analysis. The main output will be high-resolution 3D ED structure determination of small molecules. The candidate will also be responsible for writing scientific reports and communicating results with other academic scientists at IOCB Prague. Additionally, they will manage the administration of the 3D ED data and assist other users in familiarizing themselves with the 3D ED workflow, as well as in writing documentation for the 3D ED pipeline.
The candidate must have documented experience with 3D ED experiments.
Responsibilities:
- 3D ED sample preparation, screening, data collection and data analysis
- Maintenance of 3D ED methodology
- 3D ED pipeline development
- Scientific reporting and communication with IOCB research groups
- 3D ED data administration
- 3D ED workflow documentation
Requirements
- Advanced level in 3D ED methodology and data collection
- Experience with electron microscope operating software
- Capacity to communicate and interact with other IOCB scientists
- Demonstrated practical training in 3D ED data analysis preferably through scientific publications
- Fluency in written and oral English
Desirable:
- PhD degree
- Experience with 3D ED data analysis software package environments
- Experience in 3D ED data collection and analysis automation
We offer
- Competitive financial remuneration
- 5 weeks of vacation plus 4 days of personal leave
- Health insurance and full benefits package including contribution to supplementary pension insurance and contribution to sports/culture/leisure time
- Meals subsidy
- Financial support for parents with young children who return to work immediately after the maternity/parental leave
- Working in a young, promising, and progressive scientific team of biologists, medicinal chemists, virologists, immunologists, computational chemists, and biochemists
- State-of-the-art instrumentation portfolio
- Location in the stunning city of Prague
Additional information
full-time fixed-term employment contract initially for 1 year with anticipated extension
How to apply
All applications should be sent to Dr. Tomáš Kouba at tomas.kouba@uochb.cas.cz.
The application should consist of a cover letter (max. one page) describing your motivation, interests and experience; curriculum vitae (max. two pages), and contact information of at least two references.
Applications will be reviewed and considered until the position is filled. Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Please note that if you are not contacted within 6 weeks, we have given preference to candidates who more closely meet the criteria. Thank you for your understanding.