Development of a methodology for protein analysis by native CE-MS

IOCB Prague is a leading research institution under the umbrella of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Our mission is basic research at the interface of chemical and biological sciences and translation of results from basic research into applications and commercial assets.

IOCB Prague is looking for talented, independent, and highly motivated PhD students with an MSc. degree or equivalent in life sciences or related fields.

• As a student here, you’ll have the opportunity to work on interesting projects in a first-class tutoring program. You will be in a vibrant international setting of a prestigious scientific institution, which has cutting-edge equipment and modern technologies and collaborates with leading research centers around the world as well as with important commercial partners.

• Registration deadline: 3 March 2024

• Interview Day: 21 March 2024

TUTOR: Dušan Koval

GROUP: Václav Kašička Group Electromigration Methods

• The group is engaged in research and development of theory, methodology, and instrumentation of capillary electromigration (CE) methods and their application for the separation, analysis, micropreparation, and physico-chemical characterization of (bio)molecules. Methodology developments include all major CE techniques: zone electrophoresis, affinity electrophoresis, isotachophoresis, isoelectric focusing, electrokinetic chromatography, and electrochromatography. New devices for one- and two-dimensional CE methods with a multidimensional detection system are under development. Two-dimensional separations are implemented by an on-line combination of orthogonal CE methods in two in-series connected capillaries. The detection system is composed of contactless conductivity, UV spectrophotometric, laser-induced fluorescence, and mass spectrometric detectors.

Abstract

• Native proteomics utilize methods for protein analysis while preserving noncovalent interactions of proteins, which are inherently associated with their function. The analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) allows for information of noncovalent interactions in protein binding sites such as protein - inhibitor or antibody – antigen type; or a composition of the protein complexes and their subunits. The aim of this project is a methodology development for top-down proteomics and its subsequent application at relevant biology-oriented research projects. We will combine high-resolution mass spectrometry with capillary electrophoresis (CE) to facilitate separation of the protein mixtures. The hyphenation of the two techniques is secured by a miniaturized nanospray interface.

• Field of study: Analytical chemistry

Universities

• PhD students must be enrolled in a partner university and will be employed by the IOCB Prague at the same time (part-time or full time), which results in a competitive salary (a scholarship from the university + a salary from the IOCB). Each university has its own process, terms, and deadlines for PhD applications, which is separate from the IOCB recruitment process. You may discuss the details with the respective PI.

University partners:

• Charles University - Faculty of Science

• Please return to the PhD projects at IOCB Prague – Call for Applications 2024 page and follow the instructions.