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Postdoctoral Researcher in Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Microenvironmental Interactions of B Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Research Position | Published on 20.12.2024 |

Come to CEITEC MU in Brno and join us!

We are passionate molecular biologists at CEITEC looking for 

Postdoctoral Researcher

in Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Microenvironmental Interactions of B Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

About this position: 

You will work in a team of young investigators that challenge major problems in the field of hematology. We do basic and translational science, but with the objective to help patients in the future (we have access to primary samples with hem. malignancies, and mouse models).

Our research group focuses on non-coding RNAs and microenvironmental interactions of malignant B cells, supported by an ERC Starting grant (2019–2024) and GACR EXPRO (2025-2029). We identified novel regulators, including microRNAs critical for B cell functions, but the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) remains unclear. Our goal is to explore lncRNAs in B cell receptor (BCR) signaling and B-T cell interactions, with a focus on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), driven by BCR pathway and B-T cell abnormalities. These insights are relevant for other B cell malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and normal B cells.

We identified three candidate lncRNAs involved in CLL microenvironmental interactions. Using biochemical and cellular approaches, CRISPR interference, RNA pulldown, and a novel lncRNA knockout mouse model, we will study their molecular functions. One knockout mouse model is complete, and its phenotype will be analyzed alongside breeding with Eu-TCL1 CLL models. Primary patient samples will provide complementary data.

Additionally, we developed a co-culture model enabling robust CLL cell proliferation (~50%) in vitro, allowing the first CRISPR screening of lncRNAs regulating CLL cell growth. This groundbreaking approach will improve understanding of CLL biology and identify potential therapeutic targets.

The candidate profile: 

• Motivated smart person with "drive" to work independently, but also willing to learn from other people in the lab and collaborate
• Having degree in Molecular biology, Biochemistry, or similar field and have deep interest in molecular biology and cancer cell biology

What you will learn and do:

• Think and work independently as a scientist, design experiments and formulate hypothesis
• Write of abstracts and papers (and course in grant writing and presentation of data)
• Attend conferences to present your research
• Spend 1-2 months visit(s) in collaborating labs in Europe or US
• Collaborate with experts in wet lab research and bioinformatics
• Critically analyze scientific data (regular journal clubs)
• Classical and novel methods of molecular biology (e.g. RNAseq, Crispr, Cut&Tag, mouse mdoels, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, cell cultures, cloning), and you will use our in vitro models for microenvironmental interactions, and artificial activation/inhibition signalling pathways to decipher the gene regulatory loops
• Supervise students, if interested

 What we provide to you: 

• Open access to CEITEC MU core facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff
• Full contract for Post-Docs with competitive salary (funded by ERC grant)
• Flexible working hours
• Support for further education and professional development 
• Benefits package: 6 weeks of paid holiday, medical insurance, financial contribution to meal and kindergarten/pension scheme, Multisport card, mental health care, sports at the campus 
• 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 gathering etc. 
  • More at Why work at CEITEC MU?

How to apply? 

Application deadline: 15.1.2025

Start date: early 2025 (to be negotiated)

Contact the PI and submit a CV by email to: marek.mraz2@email.cz