Přehled

Workplace: Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic
Supervisor: Jakub Švenda, Ph.D.
Type of Cooperation: Ph.D. fellowship (more information on Ph.D. study programs at the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University here)
Application Deadline: November 30, 2023
Possible Start Date: from January 2024 (start date can be negotiated)

Description

The students will enroll in the chemistry Ph.D. program at Masaryk University and will join the research team of Dr. Jakub Svenda at the Department Chemistry. The laboratory is devoted to advancing methods and strategies that facilitate the investigation of underexplored and medicinally important natural products and enable the preparation of new chemical biology probes. The ongoing projects include: (1) Synthetic antibiotics inspired by the bactobolin class of natural products (see: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 7306 and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202213183). (2) Chemical biology probes to investigate bilirubin oxidation products in the context of phototherapy and oxidative stress. (3) Development of new methods for the construction of challenging sp3sp3 carboncarbon bonds. All three projects provide ample opportunities for innovation in synthetic chemistry.

Selected students will receive an excellent training in synthetic organic chemistry and will broaden their education through offered PhD-level courses. The gained expertise will allow the Ph.D. candidates to become competitive in their next career steps (see the list of alumni: https://orgsyn.sci.muni.cz/people).

For further inquiries regarding the positions or the projects, please contact Dr. Švenda: svenda@chemi.muni.cz.

About the Workplace

The chemistry Ph.D. program at Masaryk University provides specialized chemistry courses and ample opportunities to participate in basic or applied research. The international team of Dr. Jakub Švenda is located in the Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry of Masaryk University (website: orgsyn.sci.muni.cz). The laboratories are situated within a newly built university campus and feature modern infrastructure required for organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, and structure analysis. The laboratory is involved in numerous collaborations with top biologists and innovative pharma companies, creating potential for future career opportunities. Dr. Švenda is also a researcher at the International Clinical Research Centre (ICRC), which is a joint research center of St. Anne´s University Hospital in Brno (Czech Republic) and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota (USA) (see: www.fnusa-icrc.org/en/).

Masaryk University is modern, dynamic and the most attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 6000 staff and 30 000 students, a wide range of research areas and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.

Faculty of Science, a proud holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University generating around 40 % of MU research results.

Offered Conditions

Selected candidates will receive comprehensive training in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Our Faculty provides an opportunity to study and live in a modern and dynamic city, one of 10 best student cities.

In addition to the standard Ph.D. scholarship at Masaryk University, additional funds are provided through departmental resources (funding from research grants, additional scholarships, and performance-based bonuses). Financial resources are also available to support international mobility and attendance at conferences.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry required at the time of enrolment to the PhD study program.
• Candidates should be familiar with basic laboratory techniques used in experimental organic chemistry.
• Prior deeper training/experience in chemical synthesis will be evaluated positively during the interview and selection process.
• All highly motivated students are encouraged to apply.
• Good communication skills (oral and written) in English.
• High level of commitment to complete the PhD studies.

How to Apply

Please send your curriculum vitae, and cover letter with a concise summary of your previous research activities to: svenda@chemi.muni.cz.

Selection Process

All received applications will be carefully considered. Shortlisted applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to an online or in-person interview.

Please note that your application does not substitute an official admission process to Ph.D. studies at SCI MUNI. Details including discussion about the research topic required documentation or formalities will be the subject of the interview with successful candidates. Only upon the informal pre-agreement with the potential future supervisor, a formal application for Ph.D. studies at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University can be submitted.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!