POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN THE LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology https://shorturl.at/mLd8y at the International Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, headed by Prof. Jacek Jaworski, seeks motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team.
You will join the project entitled “Destabilization of neuronal morphology in chronic inflammation: molecular mechanisms and identification of potential therapeutic agents” carried
out as the OPUS 29 grant, 2025/57/B/NZ5/03511 of the National Science Centre, Poland led
by Prof. Jacek Jaworski.
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Dendritic arbors play a crucial role in the integration of synaptic information, and their structure typically remains stable throughout most of life. However, under pathological conditions such as chronic inflammation, stress, or aging, this stability may be disrupted, contributing to cognitive decline. Dendritic simplification is one of the most consistently documented markers of brain aging and dementia progression. Despite the importance of these changes, the molecular mechanisms that drive the destabilization of mature dendrites remain poorly understood. In our cellular models, we have shown that the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β induces broad transcriptional changes and dendritic destabilization, yet the protein mediators of these processes remain unidentified. Moreover, it is unclear whether inflammation-regulated factors contribute to cognitive deficits observed in infection, depression, neurodegeneration, or aging. Identifying these mechanisms may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches aimed at supporting neuronal function. Therefore, the project aims (i) to identify key inflammation-regulated genes and proteins responsible for dendritic arbor destabilization and cognitive impairment, and (ii) to discover and preliminarily evaluate small-molecule compounds capable of protecting neurons from inflammation- and age-induced structural deterioration.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Planning and performing experiments planned in the project using in vitro and in vivo models in order to reach project aims
- Complex data analysis
- Active participation in manuscript preparation and results dissemination.
- Supporting PI in mentoring and supervision of PhD students working in the project
CANDIDATE PROFILE
We are looking for a researcher who:
- Holds (or is about to obtain) a PhD in neurobiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related fields.
- Fulfills the formal criteria outlined in paragraph 2, point 2.1.1 of the NCN regulations: https://ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2024/uchwala84_2024-zal1.pdf#page=42
- Has strong expertise in neuroscience, cell biology techniques including culturing neurons, complex data analysis and work with rodents. Experience with drug-screens design is a plus.
- Is curious about mechanisms of brain homeostasis and aging.
- Has a solid publication record and can work independently.
- Communicates fluently in English (written and oral)
- Is enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative environment
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Education and formal qualifications.
- Technical expertise and relevance of experience to the project.
- Scientific achievements (e.g., publications, awards, grants, international collaborations).
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Soft skills, including:
o Clarity and impact of motivation letter.
o Communication and teamwork abilities.
o Organizational and time-management skills.
o Compatibility with the research group’s goals and vision.
WE OFFER:
- Full-time employment for 6 months with the possibility of extension for the whole duration of the project (4 year in total).
- Competitive salary of approximately 9700 PLN gross/month.
- 13th salary after working for at least 6 calendar months in a given year, private medical care, and Multisport benefit.
- 100% research focus - no teaching duties.
- Support from a lab manager and technical assistant.
- Access to cutting-edge equipment (custom-built TIRF microscope, core facilities).
- Strong mentorship toward independent funding applications (e.g., NCN, EMBO, MSCA).
- Opportunities for international training, courses, and conferences.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
- Apply via recruitment system: erecruiter
- Your application must be submitted in English and should contain:
- CV (including list of publications and list of skills),
- motivation letter,
- description of your key achievements,
- contact details at least two referees, including one of your supervisors
- Please include the following statement in your application: “I hereby agree to the processing
of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute
of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process.” Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available under the link: https://bit.ly/3UFWpY2.
- Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: https://shorturl.at/u2mww.
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Start date: February 2026 (flexible)
Candidates will be selected in an open competition, according to the procedure complying with the European Charter for Researchers rules and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as part of the HR Excellence in Research strategy https://cutt.ly/A8Zo28b
The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfills all requirements is found.
