Post-doctoral position - Recruitment No 10/2024

29 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences

Department

Group of Soft Granular Matter and Tissue Engineering (T 19)

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Engineering » Biomaterial engineering
Engineering » Biomedical engineering
Biological sciences » Biology
Technology » Biotechnology

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Poland

Application Deadline

6 May 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Warsaw)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

22 May 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

Recruitment No 10/2024

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

No

Offer Description

Post-doc position available in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS within National Science Center (NSC) OPUS 23 Project No. OPUS 23 Project No. 2022/45/B/ST8/03675 entitled „Vascular tissue engineering on granular scaffolds: experiments and modeling”. (leader Dr  Jan Guzowski)

A fundamental problem in tissue engineering is the fabrication of tissues with an embedded vasculature—functional at all relevant length scales, down to the cellular scale where the smallest vessels are to deliver nutrients and remove metabolic byproducts. Current approaches to engineering of capillary networks typically rely on spontaneous self-assembly of the endothelial cells (EC), suspended in an external hydrogel–mimicking the extracellular matrix of the native tissue–into branched tubular networks. However, such self-assembled networks are typically far from optimal. In particular, (i) they develop slowly in time (the cells need to migrate over relatively large distances), (ii) they are heterogeneous and weakly percolated, (iii) they do not allow any external control over the vessel distribution, connectivity and general network topology. In this project, we will develop a new method of vascular tissue engineering based on the use of EC ‘seeds’, that is aggregates of ECs or microbeads coated with ECs, suspended in an external 3D hydrogel matrix. It is known that EC aggregates tend to spontaneously ‘sprout’ into the matrix, i.e., develop tubular protrusions, precursors of the microvessels. In the project, we will use the sprouting seeds as building blocks of larger, interconnected vascular constructs. To this end, we will develop a new technique of directed-assembly of EC-coated microbeads into ordered arrays using magnetic forces. We will assemble the arrays inside a hydrogel-filled microfluidic chamber allowing long-term culture and facilitating confocal time-lapse imaging of the developing microvasculature. To rationalize the observed topologies, we will develop a data-driven theoretical model of the dynamically evolving vascular networks. In particular, based on the theory cross-validated with experimental data, we will determine the optimal conditions for the development of networks of highest possible connectivity and viability. Finally, we will use our EC bead-based experimental platform to study the development of microvasculature in cancer tissues. For this purpose we will co-culture the endothelial seeds with cancer cells and characterize the impact of the outgrowing microtumors on the topology of the ingrowing capillary networks. The platform enables tracking of individual cancer cells upon their extravasation into co-cultured micro-vessels, which we will use to quantify the metastasic potential of cancer cells. We will use various sub-types of breast cancer cells and study the response of the ensuing microtumors to anti-cancer drugs as a proof-of-concept of a personalized approach to cancer treatment. Altogether, in the project, we will establish a highly controlled and versatile tissue-on-chip platform for studying basic mechanisms of angiogenesis in healthy and diseased tissues as well as for future applications in personalized cancer therapies.

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Biomaterial engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Biomedical engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Technology » Biotechnology

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Post-doc will be will be responsible for performing the cell culture experiments and developing a variety of experimental tools, including optimization of confocal imaging of sprouting vessels, designing microfluidic devices, developing megnetic manipulation method, performing microfluidic experiments. Post-doc will closely collaborate with the theory team regarding data post-processing

 It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to perform experiments independently, plan the workflow and participate in the decision-making process.

Responsibilities:

• Designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work independently, maintaining regular research notes.
• Preparation of manuscripts and reports.
• Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings as well as in national and international conferences;
• Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group;
• Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, including necessary organizational tasks.

Requirements

PhD degree in biological, chemical or physical sciences, obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. For researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date. Extension might apply according to National Science Centre, Poland, rules.

Interdisciplinary experience in microfluidics and organ-on-chip technology. Advanced knowledge in molecular biology is a necessary prerequisite. Knowledge of general techniques used in tissue engineering (e.g., 3D cell culture) would be desired. General background in engineering or bioengineering would be advantageous.

Publication record and rich scientific experience.

Ability to work independently as well as in a group

Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).

Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Technology » BiotechnologyBiological sciences » BiologyTechnology » Nanotechnology

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of around 9600 PLN gross per month financed from the NCN OPUS 23 Project No. 2022/45/B/ST8/03675 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for 12 months with possible extensions based on the performance (the maximum duration of the contract is planned for 36 months).

The successful candidate will benefit in the form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, material sciences,  physical chemistry, biology and biotechnology  so a broad range of candidates will find new knowledge to be gained upon the realization of the project.

We plan to publish the results of the work in high-impact factor journals.

The successful candidate will be able to take advantage of all programs in the IPC PAS, including Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition and Mobility of Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

Eligibility criteria

Candidate needs to meet formal requirements:

 

their PhD degree has been awarded by another institution than the one planned to employ them at this post or they have completed a continuous and evidenced post-doctoral fellowship of at least 10 months in another institution than the host institution for the project and in another country than the one in which they have been conferred a PhD degree;

they will be employed for a period of at least 6 months

at the time of receiving remuneration, they will not be receiving any other remuneration paid from the funds granted to research projects under NCN calls under the heading of direct costs

 the principal investigator was not a supervisor / auxiliary supervisor in his/her doctoral thesis;

in the period of receiving the remuneration they will be receiving no remuneration from another employer pursuant to an employment contract, including an employer with registered office outside of Poland.

 

A post-doc type post is a full-time post, scheduled by the project’s principal investigator for a person who has been conferred a PhD degree in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. For researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date. This period may be extended by a time of long-term (in excess of 90 days) documented sick leaves or rehabilitation leaves granted on account of being unfit to work. In addition, the period may be extended by the number of months of a child care leave granted pursuant to the Labour Code and in the case of women, by 18 months for every child born or adopted, whichever manner of accounting for career breaks is preferable.

Selection process

The Commission will take into account the following criteria:

          a) competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project,

          b) previous scientific achievements of candidates,

           c) awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research.

The commission evaluates applications on a point scale

 

Required documents:

• employment application,
• professional curriculum vitae,
• university degree diploma,
• PhD certificate,
• a list of scientific achievements (publications, patents, conference presentations, etc.),
• at least one letter of recommendation written by academics.

 

• The application deadline is on the 06.05.2024, 12 PM (noon).

• Top candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview (on the 8-9.05.2024). A good command of English is required. We reserve the right to contact and reply to only selected candidates.

• A position will be offered to the person who obtains the highest number of points.

• The results of the recruitment are planned to be announced on the 17.05.2024.

• Employment will take place in accordance with the provisions of the competition documentation of the National Science Center (NSC) for the OPUS 23 https://www.ncn.gov.pl/ogloszenia/konkursy/opus23

and Employment policy of the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS

 https://ichf.edu.pl/files/csr/ipc-procedures.pdf .

• The incomplete applications may not be considered.

• The results of the competition are made public.

• Candidates who have been issued a negative opinion by the Competition Committee or candidates not selected for employment have the right to appeal against the results of the evaluation. The appeal shall be lodged with the Director of the Institute within 7 days from the date of receipt of the appropriate information. The decision of the Director of the Institute shall be final.

• If the top candidate does not sign the contract due to the resignation, we reserve the right to choose the next candidate from the ranking list.

Additional comments

The complete application should be sent to [email protected] under reference title“Rekrutacja 10/2024” (emails without this number will not be considered!).

For more details about the position please visit : https://sgmte.pl/strona-glowna/

 

By submitting the application you consent to the processing of your personal data in the recruitment process.

The controller of your personal data is the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office in Warsaw, NIP: 5250008755 (the "Institute"). The Institute will process your data for the purpose of carrying out scientific and research activities, providing services and contact with the Institute, on the basis of a contract (in connection with the performance of the contract or in order to take action on your request before the contract is concluded – Article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of GDPR), the legitimate interest of the Institute (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter f) of the GDPR) and legal provisions (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter c) of the GDPR) - depending on the circumstances.

You have the right to: request access to your data, receive a copy of it; rectify (correct) it; delete it; limit its processing; transfer it; lodge a complaint to the supervisory body; withdraw your consent for processing at any time (withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out prior to its withdrawal) or to lodge an objection to data processing. More information is available on the Institute's website.

https://ichf.edu.pl/files/intranet/rodo-tresc-obowiazkowa.doc

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institute of Physical Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences

Country

Poland

City

Warsaw

Postal Code

01-224

Street

Kasprzaka 44/52

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Warsaw

Website

https://ichf.edu.pl/en/job

Street

Warsaw, Kasprzaka 44/52

Postal Code

PL-01-224

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED