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 program, for the junior research specialist to carry out research work in the cell biology area under the direction of Prof. Marta Miączyńska, head of the Laboratory of Cell Biology at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), in collaboration with Prof. Matthias Bochtler (Laboratory of Structural Biology https://shorturl.at/pUDRw ). The project is part of a broader effort to translate basic research findings to new therapies and diagnostic methods.

Description of the project area: 

“Mouse model of HLA-DBR1*07:01 asparaginase hypersensitivity”.  The protein drug asparaginase is on the WHO list of essential medicines for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Because the asparaginase used for treatment is of bacterial origin (E. coli), hypersensitivity can occur, which renders the drug ineffective. The hypersensitivity reaction depends on the HLA-haplotype and is believed to be particularly likely for carriers of the HLA-DBR1*07:01 MHC-II allele. In the project, we will study asparaginase hypersensitivity and its link with pancreatitis, a severe complication of asparaginase treatment, in this genetic background, using a mouse model.

Job description:

The successful candidate will:

• develop (with the help of the IIMCB Genome Engineering Unit) a knock-in mouse model for HLA-DBR1*07:01 mediated hypersensitivity to the (pegylated) E. coli asparaginase (Oncospar)
• test whether the HLA-DBR1*07:01 allele also predisposes to pancreatitis
• compare the E. coli asparaginase with alternative bacterial type II asparaginases in a genetic background with the HLA-DBR1*07:01 allele
• if an asparaginase less immunogenic in the HLA-DBR1*07:01 background than the E. coli protein can be found, develop a pegylated (long lasting) version of this asparaginase
• test the new pegylated asparaginase for its (hopefully) lower immunogenicity in the HLA-DBR1*07:01 and also for efficacy against ALL.

Requirements:

1. MSc degree in biological sciences or related field
2. Strong understanding of the principles of biochemistry and immunology
3. Basic hands-on experience in either biochemistry or immunology
4. Prior experience with transgenic mouse models would be an advantage but is not essential
5. Interest in protein drugs used in hematology
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 for 48 months.
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 March 03^rd , 2025. The proposed start date of employment is April 1^st, 2025 or later.

How to apply:

1. Please send your applications via link: erecruiter
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.