3D electron diffraction specialist in cryo-EM core facility

3D electron diffraction specialist in cryo-EM core facility

Group: Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Dr. Tomáš Kouba)

IOCB Prague is a world-leading scientific institution dedicated to chemical and biological research. At IOCB, there is strong emphasis on translation of results from basic research into applications, such as drug discovery.

The cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) core facility in collaboration with Dr. Lukas Palatinus from Institute of Physics aims to establish the 3D electron diffraction (ED) methodology in order to routinely characterize small molecules, such as products of synthetic chemistry or natural products. The 3D ED methodology will foster the local structural determination of such molecules with emphasis on determination of the absolute configuration.

At IOCB we have local access to basic cryo-EM screening microscope (JEOL JEM2100plus) and dedicated instrumentation for 3D ED, the 200kV TFS Talos Glacios with Ceta-D detector. In future, the 3D ED hardware setup might be extended with hybrid pixel detector. In collaboration with Dr. Palatinus, local computing infrastructure has been established to perform data analysis.

The successful candidate will be a key and valued member of the cryo-EM core facility. The post holder will be responsible for establishing and developing the local 3D ED workflow, 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 be in charge of writing scientific reports and communication of results with other academic scientists from IOCB Prague. The candidate will be responsible for administration of the 3D ED data. The candidate will help other users to familiarize with the 3D ED workflow and help to write 3D ED workflow documentation.

The candidate should have experience with diffraction experiments.

Responsibilities:

• 3E ED sample preparation, screening, data collection and data analysis
• Maintenance and development of 3D ED methodology
• Scientific reporting and communication with IOCB research groups
• 3E ED data administration
• 3D ED work flow documentation

Required:

• Basic experience with diffraction experiments
• Basic experience with electron microscopy
• Willingness to continuously learn and close knowledge gaps as needed
• Capacity to communicate and interact with other IOCB scientists
• Fluency in English written and oral
• Responsibility, reliability, careful approach

Desirable:

• PhD degree
• Experience with 3D ED data analysis software package environments
• Experience in 3D ED data collection and analysis automation

We offer:

• Support on 3D ED training
• International methodological collaboration
• Competitive financial remuneration
• 5 weeks of vacation plus 4 sick days
• Health insurance and full benefits package incl. contribution to supplementary pension insurance and contribution to sports/culture/leisure time
• Meals subsidy
• Financial support for mothers with young children

Additional information:

• Full time employment contract
• Fixed-term contract initially for 1 year with anticipated extension

How to apply:

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.