PhD student in Biology of Astrocytes Research Group

Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development is a Research Institute within the Łukasiewicz Research Network. It focuses on development of new technologies, resulting from basic and applied research performed at the Institute in the areas of biotechnology and materials engineering. These technologies, in turn, serve as a basis for innovative solutions for the corresponding industries. The Center is located on a historical campus of Pracze in Wroclaw in Southwestern Poland. It currently employs more than 250 scientists and support staff in four Centers: Materials Science and Engineering, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Population Diagnostics and BioBank.

We currently seek applicants for

Localization: Wrocław

nr ref. PHD/POLS/21

A position is available in the Laboratory of Astrocytes Biology, led by Dr. Michał Ślęzak. The group focuses on neuro-glia interactions related to neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Our interdisciplinary research aims to identify cell-autonomous pathways for better understanding of trait-specific neuropathologies and to propose novel therapeutical targets.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative scientist to investigate the impact of astrocyte-specific gene manipulations on selected neuronal readouts. The ideal candidate is passionate about molecular basis of the brain function, capable of independent work and ‘out of the box’ thinking.

The position is funded by POLS grant. The challenging project is focused on long-term live cell imaging using advanced microscopy, perfusion system and genetically encoded indicators. You will employ this setup to examine dynamic profile of selected metabolites in primary cultures and co-cultures derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

During your training you will learn how to: establish and propagate various mammalian cell cultures; efficiently deliver genetic material to different cell types; visualize and analyze the dynamics of fluorescent signals across different time scales; analyze, interpret and present scientific data.

In summary, your work will resolve the contribution of individual genes to molecular, cellular and physiological phenotypes related to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Responsibilities:

• Careful design of individual experiments
• Data analysis, interpretation, visualization, and integration
• Keeping an industry-standard work documentation
• Preparation of scientific articles and conference presentations
• Communication with the interdisciplinary team of researchers

Qualifications:

• MSc in in the area of cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience or related discipline
• Hands-on experience in establishing and/or maintenance cell culture
• Very good work organization skills
• Excellent communication skills in English

Additional preferred skills

• Functional studies in cell-based systems (knowledge of metabolic assays is an advantage)
• Genetic manipulation in cell systems (transfection, viral vectors, CRISPR/Cas9)
• Experience in image analysis
• Molecular biology techniques (cloning, qPCR, Western blot)

What we offer:

• Full Time contract on the position of Specialist.
• Competitive salary and social benefits
• Scientific and organizational support
• A friendly, inspiring, interdisciplinary environment
• Supervision by experienced mentors
• Participation in international conferences and specialized workshops
• Contact with broad network of international collaborators within academia and top pharma companies

Candidates are requested to submit

• 1-page cover letter explaining the reasons of interest to join our team
• Curriculum Vitae outlining scientific interests, research achievements, future personal goals and extra-scientific passions
• A reference letter from MSc supervisor would be helpful

Please send your resume via link:

https://system.erecruiter.pl/FormTemplates/RecruitmentForm.aspx?WebID=2a...

Application deadline: July 25th, 2021

Please note that we will contact only selected candidates.