POSTDOC POSITION in Molecular Mechanobiology of Cancer

Contact Name: Martina Vrablikova
Contact Mail: vrablikova@med.muni.cz
Department/Faculty: Michal Masařík Research Group: Cancer Research Lab – Faculty of Medicine
Deadline: 31-01-2026

Description:

Cancer Mechanobiology section of Michal Masarik Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University (Brno, Czech Republic) investigates how cytoskeletal organization and cellular mechanics influence cancer cell metabolism, invasiveness, and adaptation to the microenvironment. Our research combines experimental mechanobiology, advanced light microscopy, and computational modeling to understand the physical and molecular principles underlying cancer cell plasticity.

To complement our expertise in biophysics, imaging, and modeling, we seek a molecular biologist who will conceptually lead and experimentally manage the biological component of the project.

The postdoctoral fellow will establish and maintain genetically and fluorescently modified cancer cell models suitable for live-cell mechanobiology, such as reporter systems for cytoskeletal dynamics, and focal-adhesion turnover, and design molecular interventions probing the synthesis, organization, and anchoring of cytoskeletal and adhesion complexes. The successful candidate will contribute to defining mechanistically testable biological hypotheses within 2D and 3D mechanobiological systems.

The successful candidate should:

• Hold a Ph.D. or its equivalent, awarded within the past 7 years, AND have worked in research for at least 2 years of work, within the last 3 years, outside the Czech Republic (with a workload equivalent to at least 0.5 full-time employment)
• Alternatively, hold a Ph.D. diploma (or equivalent) from an international institution awarded within the past 3 years
• Demonstrate a publication record that includes a minimum of three research outputs (articles) within the past three years, surpassing the field’s median standards, with at least two of them ranked in Q1 according to Web of Science.

Specific qualifications include:

• Proven experience in mammalian cell engineering, including CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, lentiviral or transposon-mediated transgenesis, and stable expression of fluorescent or biosensor constructs.
• Expertise in cytoskeletal and adhesion biology, or mechanotransduction signaling (e.g. YAP/TAZ, integrin, or intermediate-filament pathways) is advantageous.
• Ability to design and interpret experiments targeting the molecular determinants of cytoskeletal organization, filament assembly, anchoring, and turnover.
• Familiarity with advanced microscopy (confocal, SIM, or live-cell imaging; ability to provide biologically meaningful experimental designs for custom image analysis pipelines is advantageous.
• Demonstrated capacity for conceptual thinking and experimental planning
• Excellent communication skills and motivation to work within an interdisciplinary environment linking molecular biology, biophysics, and computational modeling.

Include these in your application:

• A comprehensive CV detailing your publication history
• A copy of your PhD diploma
• Contact information for two referees who can provide insights into your qualifications
• A brief but substantive description of your research focus and the specific topic you intend to investigate. Justify the relevance of this research within the field.
• Submission of documents validating that you have accumulated a minimum of two full years of work experience outside the Czech Republic within the past three years, and/or proof of a Ph.D. diploma from a foreign institution.

We offer:

• Access to Core Facilities and state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced imaging and sequencing technologies
• An exceptionally competitive salary, commensurate with the applicant’s skills and proficiency.
• An enticing position within a rapidly evolving university precinct.
• A range of diverse and stimulating responsibilities within an outstanding research environment.
• An initial two-year appointment.
• The opportunity to collaborate with a professional team in a comfortable work environment.
• Interaction with renowned scientists within an inspiring, globally-connected setting.
• A dedicated welcome service tailored to the needs of the successful candidate and their family.

Anticipated start date: The position is available from April 2026 or upon agreement

The submission deadline is 31st January 2026

Please submit e-application.

For more information, please contact Martina Vrablikova by e-mail vrablikova@med.muni.cz.

The assessment of applications will begin promptly upon the deadline’s closure. Candidates who make the shortlist will receive invitations for interviews within one month following the application deadline.