ERC-funded postdoctoral position in proteomics and data analysis of a kleptoplastidic protist Background of the project: Plastid endosymbiosis has transformed our planet, introducing photosynthesis to eukaryotes and triggering the evolution of a massive diversity of algae and plants. Yet we do not know how it works – mainly because most endosymbiotic events took place such a long time ago. Kleptoplastidic microbes, which steal and transiently retain plastids from their algal prey for photosynthesis, offer the unique possibility to investigate plastid endosymbiosis while it is happening. Overall rare in eukaryotes, kleptoplastidy has evolved relatively frequently in dinoflagellates, a species-rich lineage of unicellular eukaryotes that is nevertheless understudied in its diversity. The Evolution of Protist Symbioses Laboratory utilizes known and newly isolated kleptoplastidic dinoflagellates as models to study the process of plastid endosymbiosis. For this specific project, one of the very few kleptoplastidic lineages in culture, the Ross Sea Dinoflagellate (RSD), will be employed in spatial and quantitative proteomic experiments to investigate several aspects of early plastid endosymbiosis. The project: The project integrates experimental and bioinformatic approaches to explore the long-term kleptoplastidic association in RSD. The successful candidate will, together with our collaborators at the University of Cambridge, develop a (hyper)LOPIT protocol for this lineage, complement this approach with quantitative proteomic experiments and analyze the resulting data to help resolve the following fundamental questions: What is the composition of the plastid proteome in a kleptoplastidic lineage? How does the kleptoplast and control of the kleptoplast change during integration? Do endosymbiosis-associated gene transfers impact other compartments of the cell besides the plastid? The workplace: The work locations will be the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Ceske Budejovice (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/homepage/) and the University of Cambridge, UK. The successful candidate will spend approximately one year in the UK in the laboratory of our collaborator, Prof. Ross Waller, to establish the spatial proteomics workflow. The candidate will be an integral member of the international research group led by Dr. Elisabeth Hehenberger, who has recently been awarded an European Research Council Consolidator Grant. The candidate will have excellent opportunities to advance their scientific career in a supportive research team that has built an extensive network of national and international collaborators across Europe, Japan and North America. The lab is located in a newly built open space research center that houses three other labs focusing on various evolutionary aspects of microbial eukaryotes. České Budějovice is located >2 hours south of the capital city, Prague, and 2 hours north of the Austrian Alps. Situated on the confluence of the Vltava and Malse rivers, it offers over 750 years of tradition and history. Visit the Guide for Expats (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/) to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic. Requirements: We are seeking an early-career researcher with a PhD in biology or molecular/cellular biology who: - is an enthusiastic scientist with proven research abilities that include persistence in resolving technical issues. Ideally, with expertise in one or more of the following methodologies/fields: proteomics, mass spectrometry or bioinformatics/large datasets. Previous experience with dinoflagellates is a plus. - is organized, accurate and responsible - possesses excellent communication skills that contribute to a pleasant working atmosphere Our offer: A fully funded position with a competitive salary for 3 years, with the possibility for extension. Starting date: July 1st 2025 or soon after A general understanding of a healthy work/life balance About the selection process: The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences holds the HR Excellence in Research Award. Our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating, and fair. For more information about the recruitment policy for researchers at our institution, see OTM-R (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/). At the deadline, we will review all applications and select 3-5 of the best candidates to interview online. How to apply: Application deadline is Saturday, May 31, 2025. Please submit your CV along with a motivational letter explaining your research passions and why you are uniquely qualified to join our research group HERE: https://jobs.bc.cas.cz/en/detail/250 You are invited to submit the names and contact information of two references. Contact for questions: Elisabeth Hehenberger, PhD elisabeth.hehenberger@paru.cas.cz. Evolution of Protist Symbioses Laboratory Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005 Czech Republic Hehenberger Elisabeth (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)