Postdoctoral Researcher (immunity / molecular biology / biochemistry / cell biology)

16 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences

Research Field

Biological sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Poland

Application Deadline

16 Mar 2024 – 23:00 (Europe/Warsaw)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Mar 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Laboratory of Intracellular Immunity

 

We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral scientist in the area of innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions to join the Laboratory of Intracellular Immunity at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw. You will be offered the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research programme aiming to understand the molecular details of how cell-intrinsic and cytokine-enhanced immunity protects interior of the host cell against bacterial and fungal invasion, and how pathogens evade the intracellular immune system.

 

The laboratory is active for over 2 years and led by Dr Michal Wandel, who for the previous 12 years carried out research in Cambridge, UK at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and University of Cambridge. The laboratory implements the scientific culture and research practices established in those world-leading institutes, is integrated into the EMBO Young Investigator Network, and well-funded by NAWA, NCN (Polish science foundations) and EMBO.

 

We are seeking an open-minded, independent and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist who will endeavour to identify host restriction factors required for defence against pathogenic microorganisms using state-of-the-art approaches, determine the specific mechanism of action of novel immunity factors, understand their effector functions, downstream signalling and proinflammatory potential. Candidates with interests in mammalian mechanisms of pathogen recognition, anti-fungal immunity, microbial pathogenesis and/or proteomics are encouraged to apply, as are candidates with strong background in molecular/cell biology/biochemistry and interest but no experience in immunity. The exact research topic will be decided together with the successful candidate depending on their interests. Under appropriate supervision the candidate will be able to influence the direction of the project depending on their abilities and potential, and will be expected to manifest an increasing degree of intellectual independence throughout the project.

 

IBB PAS is one of the top-ranked (A+) Polish research institutes located within the unique multi-disciplinary environment of the large biomedical campus. Research topics at IBB PAS cover the wide area of molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, physiological chemistry, and bioinformatics. The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, has excellent core facilities (e.g. mass spectrometry, DNA synthesis and sequencing, transcriptomic, fluorescent microscopy, NMR), supportive administration and strives for internationalization of the Institute through the “Welcome to IBB Centre”. The IBB PAS offers language courses, including polish for foreigners, to facilitate the integration of researches from foreign countries.

 

We offer:

 

Opportunity to work on an ambitious and biomedically relevant scientific problem using a broad range of molecular and cell biology, genetics, proteomics, biochemistry and microbiology techniques in a young, active team, and stimulating, international and multi-disciplinary research environment. Support in applying for a competitive, semi-independent postdoctoral grants and fellowships to pursue research in Poland (e.g. MSCA, EMBO, Ulam NAWA, POLONEZ BIS, NCN).

 

Networking and development opportunities through the leader’s EMBO YIP membership.

Full-time employment contract for 3-years (initial contract will be signed for one year and then extended until the end of the project) with focus on research (no teaching obligations). The position is available from March 2024, with the exact start date to be agreed on.

Modern work environment with state-of-the-art equipment (e.g. AKTA Pure protein purification system, Amersham ImageQuant 800 Fluor, bench top Eppendorf equipment).

Salary: 120000 PLN/year (employer gross), corresponding to ~6000 PLN/month net pay, with health insurance and social security, additional 13th salary and benefits. Supplementary salary is available from other projects, depending on the candidates experience and involvement.

 

Key duties and responsibilities:

 

– undertake research aimed at understanding the intracellular response to invasion by pathogens

– identify, develop, modify and apply a broad range of approaches and methods to pursue the research objectives (independently and in collaboration with other group members)

– participate in experimental design and data analysis with limited supervision

– contribute to the data preparation and writing of manuscripts

– assist in the training of junior lab members

– actively participate in lab meetings, scientific seminars and conferences

 

Qualifications:

 

PhD degree or equivalent experience (or perspective of obtaining it), a strong background in molecular or cell biology, and either biochemistry, immunology, microbiology or a related life science discipline and demonstrated scientific productivity (ideally having published at least once as a first-author in an international, peer-reviewed journal). Research experience in either fungal biology, intracellular signalling, high-throughput assays, large scale protein purification, or proteomics is a strong advantage.

We seek candidates with scientific curiosity and creativity, motivation and passion for science and experimental work, and excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Independent and analytical thinking, structured work organization, and a good team spirit are expected. The ideal candidate has the ability to formulate testable hypotheses to provide insight on complex biological problems, understands good experimental design and proper data interpretation, as well as has strong presentation skills (ideally having presented on at least one international conference). Experience in mentorship/supervision of junior lab members, previous success in funding applications, mobility and research experience abroad is an advantage.

 

How to apply:

 

Interested candidates should send: a cover/motivation letter (max 1 page); their CV including the list of publications with a short description of the applicant’s key achievements, conducted research projects and used methodology; copy of diploma and list of academic grades (if available), and names and contact details of at least two referees familiar with candidate’s scientific abilities including their direct PhD supervisor (all in English and in a single .pdf file) to: [email protected]  with the subject “Application for PostDoc 2024 and your first and last name”.

 

Please include the following statement: “I hereby give consent for my personal data included in my application to be processed for the purposes of the recruitment process under the Personal Data Protection Act from 29th August 1997.”

 

Deadline: 16th March 2024, early applications encouraged. We will only contact selected candidates, who will be invited for an interview and asked to present their work (possibly on-line). Applications submitted after the deadline will be still considered if the position is not filled. We strive for gender and diversity equality and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

 

Lab webpage: https://ibb.edu.pl/en/laboratory/dr-michal-p-wandel/

Dr Michal Wandel ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5275-5881

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences

Country

Poland

City

Warsaw

Postal Code

02-106

Street

Pawinskiego 5a

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Warsaw

Website

https://ibb.edu.pl/en/

Street

Pawinskiego 5a

Postal Code

02-106

STATUS: EXPIRED