Post-doctoral position - Recruitment No 11/2024

5 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences

Department

Digital manufacturing of biomimetic systems, (Team-32)

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Engineering » Biomaterial engineering
Engineering » Biomedical engineering
Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Poland

Application Deadline

25 Apr 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Warsaw)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

13 May 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

Recruitment No 11/2024

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) SONATA BIS 12 Project No. 2022/46/E/ST8/00284 entitled “Przełomowa metoda biodruku wspomagana technikami mikroprzepływowymi oraz sztuczną inteligencją: na drodze do stworzenia atlasu modelowania in vitro tkanek ludzkich“

In vitro tissue models are regarded as a critical component of future biomedical research. Using them, researchers have demonstrated a high capacity in mimicking both tissue-specific complex phenomena and revealing the interplay between physiological tissue structures and functions over the last two decades. Current in vitro tissue models, on the other hand, are mostly created using low-throughput approaches based on prior experience, intuition, and trial-and-error methodology. Such constraints result in the creation of valuable in vitro models, albeit far from optimal. The goal of this project is to address these limitations by creating a datadriven, high-throughput workflow that includes an innovative microfluidic-assisted extrusion bioprinting (µ-eBP) system supported by advanced image analysis tools for capturing key information about in vitro neo-tissue formation dynamics. The core scientific and technical objectives of the MYO-PATH project are: i) the progress towards a deeper understanding and control of cellular dynamic processes involved in the manufacturing of artificial tissues – specifically of skeletal muscle tissue; ii) the establishment of blueprints to obtain the highest tissue functionality and scalability potential and prioritize the best cost-effective experimental conditions; iii) the generation of a developmental atlas of artificial muscle morphogenesis in vitro. We intend to achieve this goal by developing new tools - hardware and software - for all stages of µ-eBP. A multiplexed and iterative screening and optimization approach will be used to obtain blueprint information. We plan to develop microfluidic modules that will allow us to address critical, currently unmet challenges in eBP, such as i) cell sedimentation mitigation in printer cartridges and ii) bioink multiplexing. Cellular dynamics will be captured using a variety of techniques such as bright-field, confocal, and optical coherence tomography. Advanced image analysis tools, including machine learning (ML)-based tools, will be used to analyse the resulting datasets. Notably, we propose developing quasi-live and offline image analysis tools to reliably assess the best performing conditions based on two indexes: an order parameter and a myo-index.

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Biomedical engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Biomaterial engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The Post-Doc will be responsible for the development of the protocols for image analysis, 3D bioprinting and optimization of skeletal muscle culture in vitro and for the generation of the developmental of atlas maps of artificial muscle development in vitro.

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.

Preferred experience in: - Image analysis - machine learning tools for image analysis - knowledge of ML frameworks/libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch or similar - coding (e.g. Python, C++)Prior experience with engineering and characterizing      artificial skeletal muscle tissue will be considered a plus.

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

Engineering » Biomedical engineeringEngineering » Biomaterial engineeringChemistry » Physical chemistry

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 9 600 PLN gross per month financed from the NCN SONATA BIS Project No. 2022/46/E/ST8/00284 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for 24 months with possible extensions based on the performance (the maximum duration of the contract is planned for 48 months).

The successful candidate will benefit in the form of new knowledge and methods added to   his/her toolbox. The project deals with  tissue engineering, software engineering, material sciences , 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.

The institute provides an opportunity to participate in the 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 25.04.2024, 12 PM (noon).

• Top candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview (on the 29.04.2024). 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 07.05.24

• Employment will take place in accordance with the provisions of the competition documentation of the National Science Center (NSC) for the SONATA BIS  

https://www.ncn.gov.pl/ogloszenia/konkursy/sonata-bis12

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 11/2024” (emails without this number will not be considered!).

For more details about the position please contact : [email protected]

 

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