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Research Specialist

Research Position | Published on 28.02.2025 |

Research Specialist

Job Field: Science and research

Central European Institute of Technology of Masaryk University (CEITEC MU)

Brno, Czech Republic | www.ceitec.eu

About the position:

Applications are invited for a part - time research position in the research group of doc. RNDr. Jan Hejátko, Ph.D. to join the TowArds Next GENeration Crops (TANGENC) project, reg. number CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004581,” in Programme Johannes Amos Comenius (Czech Republic - The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, co-funded by the European Union).

The researcher will mainly participate in research activity 3.2. Delaying growth proliferation arrest to increase seed yield to fulfill the project's work package No.3 objectives - Reproduction (Reproductive Fitness under abiotic stress).

Sexual reproduction is one of the key determinants of crop yield. It takes place in flowers that differentiate from floral meristems during the generative phase of the plant life cycle. After fertilization, flowers give rise to seeds and fruits, the structures harvested in most crops. Certain phases of plant reproduction are extremely sensitive to abiotic stress, namely elevated temperatures and connected drought that cause decreased crop yield. Thus, understanding the processes that govern flowering and sexual reproduction and the basis of their sensitivity to abiotic stress is critical for the development of crops better adapted to climate change.

Mechanisms underlying the regulation of the inflorescence/floral meristem activity integrating various signal types (hormonal, temperature, nutritional) and controlling cessation of its activity (growth proliferation arrest) will be studied in Arabidopsis. The inflorescence meristem activity will be manipulated at the level of hormonal signaling, biosynthesis, or transport to increase seed production. This proof-of-concept study will indicate this approach's viability for crop applications.

The researcher will be working under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Jan Hejátko, Ph.D., who has a long-term experience with research on the mechanisms underlying hormonal regulations and their importance in diverse aspects of plant development, including plant reproduction.

Requirements:

• Master's degree and strong expertise in at least one of the following specializations: A scientific background emphasizing molecular biology, genomics, or proteomics is required.
• Highly motivated researcher able to work independently yet open to frequent interactions within our research team
• Great communication in English.
• Strength in interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset (proven ability to supervise/interact with students/other team members is advantageous).
• Ability to demonstrate a capacity for innovative research, new methods & methodologies.

We offer:

• position within a world-recognized and goal-oriented team, working in the leading-edge research
• an attractive salary and benefits package (6 weeks of paid holiday, financial meal contribution, MU canteens, retirement contribution, multisport card, and sports lessons directly at the campus, unique employee bank products)
• background of a recognized and successful institution with a supportive and international working environment
• environment promoting interdisciplinarity in research
• in-house core facilities
• support for further education and professional development
• support of administrative departments (including grant office)
• support with relocation (welcome office services)

Additional information:

What else you need to know:

Start date: April 1st, 2025

Job type: part-time

Duration: fixed term with the possibility of extension (planned termination in the project is 06/2028)

Application deadline: March 27th, 2025 or until the position is filled

Applications, including a CV, a brief motivation letter, and contacts for at least two references, should be sent via e-application here.

In the case of any difficulties filling out the e-application, please contact darja.horakova@ceitec.muni.cz.

Selection procedure committee members are: the head of the research group and a representative of the research group.

Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Please note that if you are not contacted within five weeks, we have preferred candidates who more closely meet the criteria. Thank you for being so understanding. In justified cases, the job announcer can extend, interrupt, or cancel the selection procedure.

CEITEC MU is a proud holder of the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. We were the first research institution in the Czech Republic to secure one of the top places in the Company of the Year: Equal Opportunities 2020 competition.

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