PhD Student (immunity / molecular biology / biochemistry / cell biology)

Recruitment for the Doctoral School of Molecular Biology and Biological Chemistry at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences

Procedure no. DSMBBC/2022/12

Dr hab. Agata Starosta

Supervisor (email): [email protected]

Auxiliary Supervisor: Dr Michal Wandel ([email protected] )

Research Unit: Laboratory of Intracellular Immunity

Research Unit (www): https://ibb.edu.pl/en/laboratory/dr-michal-p-wandel/

Programme Title (English): Intracellular mechanisms of innate immunity

:

We are inviting applications for a PhD student 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. In the Laboratory we endeavour to understand intracellular mechanisms of anti-microbial immunity. You will be offered the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research programme aiming to understand the molecular details of how cell-autonomous and cytokine-enhanced immunity protects interior of the host cell against bacterial and fungal invasion, and how pathogens evade the intracellular immune system. The aim of this project is to investigate interferon-inducible, anti-bacterial signalling platforms operating in the host cell cytosol, by a combination of cell and molecular biology methods and advanced biochemical assays.

We are seeking an open-minded, independent and highly motivated PhD student who will endeavour to drive a deeper understanding of how core immunological processes are regulated in favour of the host, or pathogen, and how these new mechanisms might be harnessed to treat diverse diseases. You will employ state-of-the-art screening approaches to identify host restriction factors required for defence against pathogenic microorganisms. Using a combination of molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, proteomics, biochemistry and microbiology, you will determine the specific mechanism of action of novel immunity factors, understand their effector functions, downstream signalling and pro-inflammatory potential. Candidates with interests in mammalian mechanisms of pathogen recognition and/or microbial pathogenesis are encouraged to apply. 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.

Our primary experimental models are mammalian cells infected with pathogens in a safe environment of modern BSL2 cell culture laboratory. We have extensive experience in cell manipulation (e.g., transfection, retroviral/lentiviral transduction, RNAi gene silencing, and CRISPR/Cas9 technology). Amongst many techniques, we routinely use standard techniques of molecular biology (e.g. cloning and mutagenesis of DNA, large scale recombinant protein expression and purification from bacterial systems, Western blotting), and cell biology of infection (e.g. fluorescent microscopy).

The laboratory is led by Dr Michal Wandel (ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5275-5881 ), 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 (offering networking and development opportunities), and well-funded by NAWA, NCN (Polish science foundations) and EMBO. We strive for gender and diversity equality and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Informal enquires are welcome to Dr Michal Wandel [email protected] (please send your CV including the list of publications with a short description of your key achievements, conducted research projects and used methodology).

Literature references related to conducted/planned research

• Guanylate-binding proteins convert cytosolic bacteria into caspase-4 signaling platforms. Wandel MP#, Kim B-H, Park E-S, Boyle KB, Nayak K, Lagrange B, Herod A, Henry T, Zilbauer M, Rohde J, MacMicking JD, Randow F# (#corresponding authors). Nature Immunology. 2020. doi: 10.1038/s41590-020-0697-2.
• GBPs Inhibit Motility of Shigella flexneri but Are Targeted for Degradation by the Bacterial Ubiquitin Ligase IpaH9.8. Wandel MP*, Pathe C*, Werner EI, Ellison CJ, Boyle KB, von der Malsburg A, Rohde J, Randow F (*equal contribution). Cell Host and Microbe. 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.09.007.
• Galectin 8 targets damaged vesicles for autophagy to defend cells against bacterial invasion. Thurston TLM, Wandel MP, Muhlinen Von N, Foeglein Á, and Randow F. Nature. 2012. doi: 10.1038/nature10744.

Requirements for the candidate:

hold a degree of Master of Science, Master of Engineering, medical doctor or equivalent in the field of: exact sciences, natural sciences, medical sciences or related disciplines, granted by a Polish or foreign university; a person who does not possess the qualifications described above may take part in the competition, but must obtain the qualifications in question and provide the relevant documents before the start of the programme at the Doctoral School (i.e., October 1, 2022);

a solid knowledge and familiarity with laboratory techniques in either molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, cell biology, microbiology or a related life science discipline;

demonstrated scientific productivity (ideally having published at least once in an international, peer-reviewed journal);

research experience in either fungal biology, intracellular signalling, high-throughput assays 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).;

previous success in funding applications, mobility and research experience abroad is an advantage.

• 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. Scientific training and academic mentorship.
• Networking and development opportunities through the leader’s EMBO YIP membership.
• The position is funded by the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) SONATA grant, full-time, for 4-years with focus on research (no teaching obligations). The position start date is 1st October 2022.

Scholarship amount (net): 3300-3400 PLN for 1st and 2nd year, 3900-4000 PLN for 3rd and 4th year

Number of positions available: 1

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
• writing thesis, and 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

Selected candidates will be invited for the interview that will take place from 5th to 6th July 2022 (the exact date will be given in the invitation).

The recruitment procedure will be completed until 15th July 2022 latest.

Required documents:

an application for admission to the Doctoral School, together with consent to the processing of personal data for the recruitment procedure and a statement on familiarising oneself with recruitment rules and conditions; (https://ibb.edu.pl/app/uploads/2022/05/application-form_doctoralschool_i... )

a copy of the diploma from a university or the candidate’s statement on the estimated graduation date;

a scientific curriculum vitae including information on the candidate’s participation in scientific projects and other related activities, such as publications, involvement in science club, participation in academic conferences with an oral or poster presentation, national and international internships, prizes and awards, participation in grants, popularization of science, voluntary work;

a list of completed university courses with marks;

a motivation letter;

contact details to at least one academic adviser or academic staff member holding at least a doctor’s degree, who has agreed to give an opinion on the applicant. The opinion should not be attached to the application;

in the case of having a disability certificate or a certificate on the degree of disability, or a certificate referred to in Article 5 and Article 62 of the Act of 27 August 1997 on Vocational and Social Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities ‒ a statement of holding such certificate;

candidates holding a diploma of completing studies abroad shall additionally attach a certified translation of the diploma, including the supplement, into Polish or English, unless the diploma or an official copy thereof, including the supplement, has been issued in English.

Language of documents: English

How to apply:

Doctoral School (room 41)

Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Polish Academy of Sciences

Pawinskiego 5a

02-106 Warszawa

Poland

• Include "Procedure no. DSMBBC/2022/12" and your first and last name as the subject of the e-mail
• The application must contain all documents described in section 17

The recruitment process consists of two stages:

selection of candidates by the Committee based on their previous achievements and academic performance presented in the documents submitted; for each position no more than 4 applicants who have achieved the highest scores, but no less than 60% of the maximum points, shall be qualified for the next stage;

an interview conducted by the Committee including in particular:

• a presentation delivered by the candidate containing the outcomes of his/her research (a Master’s thesis or other research work carried out by the candidate); the presentation must not last longer than 10 minutes;
• questions asked by the members of the Committee related to the presented project, the methods used and interpretation of the results obtained;
• questions asked by the members of the Committee related to the proposed PhD programme described in the recruitment announcement;
• questions related to the candidate’s motivation for scientific work.

For additional information please contact:

(we encourage you to contact the supervisor to learn more about the project before submitting your application)

Legal basis: https://ibbpan.bip.gov.pl/studia-i-szkola-doktorska/uchwala-rekrutacyjna-do-szkoly-doktorskiej.html

Source of Scholarship: National Science Centre SONATA-17, IBB PAS Scholarship Fund