Petr Halada

I started my mass spectrometry career in 1995. After the stay at Max Planck Institute in Berlin I moved from small molecule analysis to mass spectrometry of large biomolecules. I was operating the first MALDI-TOF instrument in the Czech Republic and pioneered MS methodology in proteomics. My expertise encompasses protein identification and quantification, protein profiling, peptide sequencing and characterization of post-translational modifications using advanced mass spectrometric methods. My research is also aimed at the development of protein-functionalized surfaces for analyte affinity enrichment in desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

About the position

The Postdoctoral fellow will join the team of the Laboratory of Structural Biology and Cell Signaling that is focused on developing methods for structural biology, proteomics and clinical mass spectrometry. The laboratory is equipped with an armory of modern instruments, including the state-of -the art mass spectrometers (solariX XR, timsTOF Pro and timsTOF SCP for single cell analysis, Autoflex MALDI and maXis QTOF), nano and capillary flow ultra-high performance liquid chromatographs, excimer and CO2 lasers, micropipette robot and all the necessary equipment of biochemical and chemical laboratory.

Through the collaborative secondments, the fellow will have an opportunity to work with our local industrial partner, AffiPro s.r.o and to visit the laboratory of Prof. Frank Turecek, University of Washington, WA, USA.  The expected outputs of the fellowship are high-level scientific publications and potentially applied research outputs such as patents or prototypes. The fellow will gain experience working with a small technological company.

The fellow will be working on the design of a new device for modification of surfaces by ambient ion landing. Experience with instrument design and any form of mass spectrometry are preferred, but it is not a requirement.

Potential candidates should have PhD in one of the following areas: chemistry, biochemistry (or other molecular life science), engineering, physics, material science, surface science or similar related field. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate independent work and thinking with a proactive attitude and ability to work in a team. Good command of English is a condition.

Petr Novák

I started my protein mass spectrometry journey back in 1997. During the years I transitioned from pure proteomics to the area of structural mass spectrometry which was mainly catalyzed by my post-doc stay at the Sandia National Laboratories where I pioneered several methodological approaches in chemical cross-linking of proteins. I then led part of the mass spectrometry group at the IMIC and since 2015 I headed the Laboratory of Structural Biology and Cell Signaling at a new research center BioCeV. My scientific focus combines development of analytical methods for structural biology, software tools for MS data interpretation and their application to relevant biological systems.

About the position

The Postdoctoral fellow will join the team of the Laboratory of Structural Biology and Cell Signaling that is focused on developing methods for structural biology, proteomics and clinical mass spectrometry. The laboratory is equipped with an armory of modern instruments, including the state-of -the art mass spectrometers (solariX XR, timsTOF Pro and timsTOF SCP for single cell analysis, Autoflex MALDI and maXis QTOF), nano and capillary flow ultra-high performance liquid chromatographs, excimer and CO2 lasers, micropipette robot and all the necessary equipment of biochemical and chemical laboratory.

Through the collaborative secondments, the fellow will have an opportunity to work with our local industrial partner, AffiPro s.r.o and to visit the laboratory of Prof. Frank Turecek, University of Washington, WA, USA.  The expected outputs of the fellowship are high-level scientific publications and potentially applied research outputs such as patents or prototypes. The fellow will gain experience working with a small technological company.

The fellow will be working on design and utilization of capillary quench-flow setup for oxidation of proteins with mass spectrometry detection. Experience with LCMS and/or protein chemistry is preferred, but not a requirement.

Potential candidates should have PhD in one the following areas: chemistry, biochemistry (or other molecular life science), engineering, physics, material science, surface science or similar related field. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate independent work and thinking with a proactive attitude and ability to work in a team. Good command of English is a condition.

Rufin Marie Toghueo Kouipou

My professional objective is to significantly mitigate the challenges of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa and globally. I aspire to contribute to developing the next generation of antibiotics. My ambition is to enhance pharmaceutical innovation by discovering and characterizing novel lead compounds from microorganisms found in underexplored ecological environments in Africa. I require a more robust research foundation and network to realize this vision, which I believe the MERIT Fellowship program can provide. Additionally, conducting research in the Czech Republic, known for its rich research culture and accomplishments, will equip me with the essential scientific training needed to evolve into the investigator I aspire to be. Through the MERIT Fellowship, I anticipate enhancing my competencies in grant writing, science communication, leadership, and mentorship, thereby becoming a more effective researcher.
My research proposal for the MERIT Fellowship focuses on investigating microbial species with the potential to synthesize bioactive chemical precursors for antibiotic discovery. This initiative will also contribute to the broader understanding of natural products by generating high-quality scientific research within an academic framework. The MERIT Fellowship will allow me to engage with a pharmaceutical company, bridging the divide between academia and industry, which is crucial for achieving my goals. This secondment will facilitate scientific discovery and provide insights into how to translate research outcomes into viable products that address societal challenges.
Before receiving the merit fellowship, I had the opportunity to excel in multiple fellowship programs, which enabled me to conduct research at various esteemed institutions. These included the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in India, the Welcome Centre for Anti-infectives Research (WCAIR) in the United Kingdom, and the Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA) in Spain. Additionally, I engaged in numerous international conferences, where I presented my research findings to fellow scholars.