Postdoctoral fellow in molecular or synthetic biology

The Pluskal lab at IOCB Prague combines cutting-edge experimental (e.g., LC-MS, metabolomics, RNA-seq) and computational (e.g., bioinformatics, molecular networking, machine learning) approaches to develop rapid, generally applicable workflows for the discovery and utilization of bioactive molecules derived from plants. We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral fellow with a research background in molecular biology, synthetic biology, or related fields (e.g., metabolic engineering) to join our team.

Requirements

• PhD degree obtained no more than 5 years ago
• Hands-on experience with high-resolution LC-MS analysis
• Good track record of scientific publications and achievements
• Good proficiency in spoken and written English
• Passion for basic research and science

We offer

• Competitive salary
• 5 weeks of vacation plus 4 days of personal leave
• Financial support for parents with young children
• Health insurance and full benefits package incl. contribution to pension, culture, and sport
• Lunch subsidy
• Other IOCB employee benefits
• Impactful work supporting top-tier basic research and tech transfer
• Working with cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure
• A modern campus in Prague-Dejvice with excellent local amenities and accessibility

Additional information

• The starting date of the position is negotiable, preferably no later than January 1, 2027
• The successful candidate will be offered an initial full-time fixed-term employment contract for one year, with possibility of extension
• The position is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the European Research Council (ERC) grant agreement No. 101170268 (TerpenCode). The successful candidate is expected to apply for postdoctoral fellowships to support his/her  independent research direction.

How to apply

Please email your CV including a list of publications, a cover letter or a research statement, and contact details of 2-3 references to Dr. Tomáš Pluskal: tomas.pluskal@uochb.cas.cz by August 31, 2026.

IOCB Prague is one of the leading research institutes in central Europe with a vibrant international environment and excellent infrastructure and core facilities located in modern buildings close to the Prague city center. Its primary mission is the pursuit of basic research in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and materials chemistry, chemistry of natural substances, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. An integral part of IOCB Prague’s mission is the implementation of the results of basic research in practice. Emphasis on interdisciplinary research gives rise to a wide range of applications in medicine, pharmacy, and other fields.

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