Junior research specialist (role in the project: Technician)

Junior research specialist (role in the project: Technician)

Recruitment for the project “RNA and Cell Biology Platform for Research and Innovation in Medicine (RACE-PRIME)” (grant agreement no. FENG.02.01-IP.05-T003/23) implemented within the framework of the International Research Agendas funded by the European Funds for Smart Economy programme, for the junior research specialist to carry out research work in the cell biology area under the direction of Dr Lidia Wróbel, head of the Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB).

The aim of RACE-PRIME is to establish IIMCB as a world-class Center of Excellence in RNA and Cell Biology. The goal of RACE-PRIME is to translate basic research findings, e.g., for developing new therapies, diagnostic methods, discovering new therapeutic targets, or identifying molecules with desired properties to be developed into drugs.

Description of the project area: 

The proposed project aims to study neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in VCP/p97 using a combination of in vivo and in vitro model systems. VCP (also known as p97), is an abundant protein unfoldase, playing key roles in the ubiquitin-proteasome system and in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, both crucial for cellular proteostasis. Mutations in N-terminal domain of VCP cause multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Recently, a novel mutation in D1 domain of VCP was defined to cause dementia with tauopathy, a phenomena not described previously. However, the pathomechanism of this mutation is not clear.

Job description:

In order to dissect into the complexity of VCP diseases, we will create human iPSC models (neurons, organoids) and C. elegans with mutation in VCP causing tauopathy. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing the mutant models and characterizing them using a combination of genomics (RNA-seq), proteomics and confocal microscopy. Besides establishing valuable tools and resources for future investigations of VCP biology, the multi-model approach is envisaged to provide critical insights into the neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in VCP.

Requirements:

1. MSc degree in biological sciences or related field.
2. Strong understanding of the principles of cell and molecular biology.
3. Basic hands-on experience in one of the fields: molecular biology, cell biology, fluorescent microscopy, high-throughput screening.
4. Prior experience in working with human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons and organoids would be an advantage but not essential.
5. Interest in cellular proteostasis and neurodegeneration.
6. Independence, commitment, initiative, teamwork skills.
7. Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Selection criteria:

1. Technical competencies, experience and alignment of specialized knowledge with the position.
2. Scientific achievements.
3. Soft skills - proficiency in English, motivation letter, communication skills, teamwork ability, alignment of individual development plans with project goals.

Candidates will be selected through an open competition, in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which are part of the HR Excellence in Research strategy. https://shorturl.at/fjot2

We offer:

1. Full-time employment contract, initially for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension till the end of the project .
2. Competitive salary in the amount of 6000 PLN gross/month.
3. Attractive benefits package including subsidization for MultiSport card and medical insurance.
4. Full technical, administrative, and organizational support in Polish and English from professional staff.
5. Opportunity to participate in courses, conferences, scientific training, and substantive support from colleagues.
6. Opportunity to do a PhD in an extramural form.

Applications can be submitted until January 6^th, 2025. The proposed start date of employment is February 24^th, 2025.

How to apply:

1. Please send your applications via link: https://system.erecruiter.pl/FormTemplates/RecruitmentForm.aspx?WebID=a14e328a4848492ca314391ce2c52db0
2. Applications should be submitted in English. The application should include a CV,
   list of achievements, a motivation letter describing key scientific achievements, and contact details (email and phone number) of at least two potential referees, including your direct supervisor.
3. Please include the following statement in your CV: "I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application documents to be processed by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the recruitment process." Full information is available at https://bit.ly/3ObTUdJ
4. Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: https://shorturl.at/u2mww

The competition may be extended until a candidate meeting all requirements is found.