The project EMOROB analyses one of the most important challenges we are facing today – human/robot interaction (HRI). Specifically, the EMOROB explores genealogy of the affective programming and social robotics field which started developing in the early1990s. Here, the imagination relating to diagnosis and treatment of autism have played a crucial role as one of the first application domain of the social robotics. The project aims to explore the field of emotional computing in the context of autism treatment, in particular their cultural metaphors and codes. The main question is: How did the metaphors of social robotics and affective computing used in the context of autism treatment influence and mirror our view of human embodiment, agency, inequalities, and medical treatment itself? To explore this question, the project carries out critical discourse analysis, analysis of international archives and interviews with people in the field. By combining critical discourse analysis with material semiotic analysis, the EMOROB seeks to investigate empirically the dynamics and complexities of affective computing practices. Considering the state of the art of the existing scholarship, the main overall analytical objective of the project is to empirically enrich and theoretically advance our understanding of computing sociality, cultural representations of autism and the social and cultural consequences and backgrounds of emotional robotics in the 21st century. The project aims are: a) to analyse genealogy of the cultural imagery reflecting the diagnosis of autism and human-robot interaction since 1990s, and b) to explore epistemic maps interconnecting autism, robotics and ideas about normality, otherness, more-than-human sociality or social bodies.

The post-doc will be working within the research group Deposition of Thin films and Nanostructures, especially in PVD laboratory of research centre CEPLANT. She/he will be responsible for characterization of laboratory and industrial deposition plasmas.  She/he will cooperate with his colleagues on measurement, evaluation of experimental data and preparation of publications. We expect her/his involvement in projects of the group and her/his independent preparation of MSCA project if he/she is eligible to promote the postdoc’s career growth. He/she will also work and provide consultations for bachelor, master and PhD students.

The post-doc will be working within the research group Deposition of Thin films and Nanostructures, especially in PVD laboratory of research centre CEPLANT. She/he will be working on the boundary of plasma physics and materials science and will be responsible for deposition and subsequent material analysis of high entropy thin films for intended use in next-gen lithium-ion batteries and water electrolysers for sustainable hydrogen production.  She/he will cooperate with his colleagues on measurement, evaluation of experimental data and preparation of publications. We expect her/his involvement in projects of the group and her/his independent preparation of MSCA project or other projects he/she is eligible to promote the postdoc’s career growth. He/she will also work and provide consultations for bachelor, master and PhD students.

We’re excited to announce an open post-doctoral position in Robert Vacha’s Research Group!

Membrane fusion is an essential biological process that plays a crucial role in neurotransmission, intracellular trafficking, and immune responses. Despite its fundamental biological role and potential application in drug delivery, the molecular understanding of membrane fusion and its control remain elusive.

This ERC-funded project aims to the design of novel peptides and peptide aggregates able to induce spontaneous fusion. The peptides have been selected based on their biocompatibility and our exceptional experience with membrane-active peptides, including the design of de novo sequences based on the elucidated mechanism. The first step will be to develop a computational approach to determine the critical peptide properties required to destabilize or stabilize key fusion states: membrane stalk, hemifusion diaphragm, and fusion pore. These findings will then be used to de novo design peptide sequences where the fusogenic role of each amino acid is known, providing the key advantage for customization for vaccination and drug delivery. The computational results will be verified by fluorescence and electron microscopy.

We’re excited to announce an open post-doctoral position in Robert Vacha’s Research Group!

Cells employ protein liquid droplets to form dynamic clusters, which function as nanoreactors or storages with the increased local concentration of specific protein components. These membrane-less organelles self-assemble based on weak protein-protein interactions of intrinsically disordered domains. However, the role of specific sequences remains elusive and the mixing between different protein droplets unexplored.

This ERC-funded project aims to the droplets involved in genome transcription, where posttranslational modifications control the droplet composition and regulate the transcription. Expected findings are not only important for the general knowledge but could also be useful in the design of new treatments because translocation malfunction is involved in numerous diseases including cancer. The research is strongly coupled to collaborations with excellent experimental teams and will be more closely discussed during the interview. The employed tools will contain multi-scale simulations using a wide range of advanced sampling techniques and development of protein parametrization.

Masaryk University, Faculty of Economics and Administration, is looking for a highly motivated and productive Postdoctoral Researcher on the following fields: business management with an emphasis on human resource management, strategic management, sustainable business management, or business information technology management. We are offering a full-time early career position with a 3-year contract.

The position is designed to allow the candidate to work in one of three established teams corresponding to the candidate’s background and research focus. The main agenda will be publishing papers in international top journals within the field, attracting external research funding, and developing international research cooperation. Limited participation in teaching (both lecturing and tutoring in English) is also a part of the job.