Selection Procedures

04/17/2024
Institute of Biotechnology of the CAS announces a competition for the position Master's student - Laboratory of Molecular Therapy.

The Laboratory of Molecular Therapy is seeking enthusiastic Master's student to contribute to projects focused on cancer cell metabolism and the development of novel antitumor strategies. We are also open to those seeking summer positions in a biologically focused laboratory.

About us:

Located in the Institute of Biotechnology od the Czech Academy of Sciences within the BIOCEV research center near Prague, our laboratory conducts high-quality research bridging basic and applied studies in cancer biology and mitochondrial physiology. We were among the pioneers in discovering that cancer cells can “hijack” mitochondria from surrounding stromal cells to enhance their fitness and promote tumorigenesis. Additionally, we have developed a novel anti-cancer drug targeting mitochondria, with successful phase I clinical testing in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, we investigate the molecular intricacies of mitochondrial complex II assembly and its role in cancer. We publish in top-tier journals and collaborate with leading laboratories worldwide.

The Project:

Many family cancer syndromes are caused by inherited mutations in tumor suppressor genes. We have recently identified new germline variants in the SUCLG2 gene which are associated with a rare type of neuroendocrine tumors, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). SUCLG2 is a subunit of a citric acid cycle enzyme, succinyl-CoA ligase (SUCL), which has not been previously linked to cancer development. The objective of this project is to describe the effect of SUCLG2 variants found in PPGL patients on the function of SUCL and to delineate the mechanisms by which these mutations promote tumorigenesis. Since we found that malfunction of SUCLG2 leads to suppressed activity of a well-known PPGL tumor suppressor, mitochondrial complex II, the functional link between SUCLG2 and complex II will be investigated. The project will lead to validation of SUCLG2 as a novel tumor suppressor with important consequences for genetic counselling.

Candidate profile:

We seek highly motivated Master's student with a keen interest in clinically relevant research projects. We expect the candidate to be proactive, reliable, organized, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

We offer:

A friendly team environment and top-quality research opportunities
Involvement in interesting projects funded by the Czech Science Foundation or Czech Health Research Council
Part-time position with salary
The chance to learn state-of-the-art techniques
Quality support for diploma thesis completion

Location:

The laboratory is located in the new state-of-the-art BIOCEV research centre (www.biocev.eu)

Deadline for applications: 30.5.2024

For more information contact:

prof. Jiří Neužil

Laboratory of Molecular Therapy

Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences

BIOCEV research centre

Průmyslová 595, Vestec, 252 50, Czech Republic

e-mail: jiri.neuzil@ibt.cas.cz

phone: +420 723 147 540

Please send copy of your inquiry to Štěpána Boukalová (e-mail: stepana.boukalova@ibt.cas.cz)