Laboratory of Neurodegeneration at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB) in Warsaw https://shorturl.at/p4ifU headed by Prof. Jacek Kuznicki is looking for two Postdoctoral Researchers.
You will join the project entitled “How inactivation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter protects dopaminergic neurons”, which is carried out as the OPUS grant 2023/49/B/NZ4/02744 of the Polish National Science Centre. The aim of this project is to identify ferroptosis associated genes that are turned on or off in LRRK2 and PINK1 Parkinson Disease models when MCU inactivation rescues dopaminergic neurons, and to understand the mechanism of protection. We will induce ferroptosis in zebrafish lines and dopaminergic neurons obtained from human iPSCs with PINK1 or LRRK2 mutations and characterize features of both types of models.
As a postdoctoral researcher you will be responsible for characterization of ferroptosis in patient-derived dopaminergic neurons (DNs) or zebrafish PD models; identification of MCU-sensitive ferroptosis associated genes (FAGs) in DNs or zebrafish and characterization of human proteins encoded by MCU-sensitive FAGs.
The ideal candidates should be able to pursue challenging tasks, think independently, achieve objectives, and collaborate with other researchers. Candidates will be selected in an open competition, according to the procedure complying with the rules of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as a part of HR Excellence in Research strategy https://shorturl.at/fvBO5
Requirements for the candidate:
- Holds a doctoral degree/Ph.D. in biology, biotechnology, medicine or related field.
- Fulfils the formal criteria for the competition https://shorturl.at/tGPU6 in particular included on pages 61 – 62.
- Has excellent knowledge of molecular and cell biology. Experience in cell culture, especially
- of iPSCs or work with zebrafish, will be of advantage.
- Has expertise or shows strong interests in neurobiology, is motivated for experimental work, passion for science.
- Gathered extensive experience in laboratory work, including microscopic techniques.
- Has research achievements documented by publication record and conference presentations.
- Shows readiness to learn new skills and take challenges, has ability to work independently and think analytically.
- Has excellent communication and writing skills.
- Mobility and research experience abroad will be of advantage but not mandatory.
We offer:
- Full employment contract for 6 months with the possibility of extension for up to 4 years.
- Competitive salary from 8 400 PLN gross/month to 10 280 pln gross/month (depending on experience).
- Position with 100% focus on research (no teaching obligations).
- Benefits including reduced rate for an individual medical care package and membership in MultiSport programme.
- Full technical, administrative, and organizational support from professional English-speaking staff.
- Participation in courses, scientific training, support from peers, and academic mentoring organized in-house, and at the EU-Life alliance institutes, MRC-HGU at the University of Edinburg and at the Flanders Institute of Biotechnology (VIB).
- Work in a team of friendly researchers focused on excellent science.
Deadline for applications is September 20, 2024. Job starting date is in October 1, 2024, or later.
Selection criteria:
- Education, technical competencies, experience, and alignment of specialized knowledge with the requirements of the position.
- Scientific achievements - publications, awards, grants, national and international training, etc.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Soft skills - motivation letter, communication skills, ability for effective teamwork, likelihood
to fit to the group, compatibility of plans for individual development with the goals of the group.
How to apply:
- Apply now to recruitment@iimcb.gov.pl
- In the subject include "Postdoc OPUS_LN" and your first and last name.
- Your application must be submitted in English and should contain a CV, a motivation letter, a description of your key achievements, and contact details at least two potential 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
- The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate is found.
