Postdoctoral Fellowship – Experimental Neuroscientist / Molecular Biologist (MSCA & EMBO Fellowships) Full-time

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship & EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship

Experimental Neuroscientist / Molecular Biologist (m/f/d)

Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics
Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague

About the Position
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong experimental skills in molecular and cellular neuroscience to join our newly established Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics. The successful candidate will lead experimental projects investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, with opportunities to work across human tissue, cell culture models, and animal systems.

The selected candidate will be supported to apply for a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF) and/or an EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship, with full institutional support for proposal preparation.

Research Focus
Our laboratory investigates the roles of non-coding RNAs and epigenetic modifications in brain disorders, with primary focus on Alzheimer’s Disease, Schizophrenia, and stress-related psychiatric conditions. We integrate cutting-edge transcriptomics, functional genomics, and disease modeling to bridge molecular alterations with disease phenotypes, paving the way for novel RNA-based therapeutic interventions. More about our work: fgu.cas.cz/neuroepigenetics

Key Responsibilities
You will lead experimental work combining in vivo and in vitro approaches to dissect the molecular mechanisms linking RNA dysregulation to brain pathology. A major part of your work will involve mouse models and neuronal cell culture. You will have the freedom to shape your research direction within the lab’s broader themes.

What We Are Looking For
• PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with mouse models, including behavioral phenotyping
• Experience with iPSC and/or primary neuronal cell culture
• Solid molecular biology skills
• Good communication skills in English

Additional experience in ChIP/epigenomics, NGS library preparation, or microscopy is a plus.

What We Offer
• Guidance for fellowship applications, including basic support with proposal structure, requirements, and feedback on key sections
• Support in project management primarily through mentoring, and individual consultation
• Competitive MSCA allowance or EMBO stipend upon successful funding
• Access to well-equipped facilities (sequencing, imaging, animal behavior)
• Interdisciplinary research environment at the Bio-Medical Campus with strong international collaborations
• Opportunities for career development, conference attendance, and independent project development
• Employee benefits: 5 weeks vacation + 3 sick days, Multisport/Edenred, on-site gym and squash court, parking, bike storage, and access to on-site kindergarten

Eligibility
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship: PhD awarded by call deadline (September 2026); no more than 8 years of postdoctoral experience; must not have resided in Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.

EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship: PhD awarded by application deadline; no more than 2 years of postdoctoral experience; must not have resided in Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.

The position is contingent on successful fellowship award. Applicants of any nationality are welcome.

Timeline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The MSCA PF deadline is September 2026; EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship deadlines are in January and July each year. Early contact is encouraged to allow time for joint proposal development.

How to Apply
Please send your CV (with publication list), a brief statement of research interests (max 2 pages), and contact details for 2–3 references to [Please click the Apply button for the link or address].

Dr. Lalit Kaurani, Ph.D.
Head, Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics
Institute of Physiology of the CAS, v.v.i.
Vídeňská 1083, 142 00 Prague 4, Czech Republic

Tagged as: Life Sciences