Student – Scholarship Holder in the FIRST TEAM FENG Project

9 Sep 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Łukasiewicz Research Network - Krakow Institute of Technology

Department

HR

Research Field

Other

Researcher Profile

Other Profession

Positions

Bachelor Positions

Application Deadline

24 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw)

Country

Poland

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

5 Oct 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Other EU programme

Reference Number

CTB_22/2026

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

No

Offer Description

Institution

Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology

Position

Student – Scholarship Holder in the FIRST TEAM FENG Project

Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology announces an open call for the position of Student – Scholarship Holder in the FIRST TEAM FENG project (No. FENG.02.02-IP.05-0029/23), entitled “Innovative (nano)hormonochemotherapy: Novel drug delivery strategies for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer”. The project is funded by the Foundation for Polish Science under the FIRST TEAM programme (European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021–2027). The recruitment process is conducted through an open competition in accordance with the FIRST TEAM FENG scholarship regulations.

Principal Investigator

Dr Barbara Pucelik

Project Description

The project aims to develop an innovative (nano)hormonochemotherapy for hormone-dependent breast cancers expressing the HER2 receptor (HR+HER2+). These cancers, associated with poor prognosis and high mortality, account for more than 50% of breast cancer cases. Current treatment strategies include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and subsequently targeted therapies.

Unfortunately, treatment resistance frequently develops during therapy, while the efficacy of hormonal and HER2-targeted therapies is reduced due to crosstalk between the respective signaling pathways. Therefore, there is a need for dual HR- and HER2-targeted therapeutic strategies that provide high efficacy, reduced side effects, and the ability to overcome mechanisms of drug resistance.

The project aims to identify unique combinations of chemotherapeutic agents and molecules interacting with hormone receptors that demonstrate synergistic activity and a favorable safety profile, followed by the preparation of their bioconjugates and encapsulation in naturally derived polymers. The next stage will involve in vitro and in vivo studies to confirm the safety of the developed (nano)hormonochemotherapeutics.

A key element of the project will be the development of a translational organoid model derived from tissues obtained from cancer patients and reflecting realistic tumor microanatomy. The organoids will be used for translational testing of nanomedicine activity, help predict patient responses to the developed (nano)hormonochemotherapy, and demonstrate its potential as a competitive alternative to conjugate-based therapies, which are among the most expensive treatment options for HR+HER2+ breast cancer.

Scholarship Conditions

• scholarship awarded under a scholarship agreement for a period of 9 months, in the amount of PLN 1,000 per month;
• work in a research organization focused on the implementation of innovative and prestigious research and development projects;
• opportunities for continuous professional development and support from the Institute in this area;

• a work environment supporting sustainable development and based on the principles of equality.

  Responsibilities

  The selected Student – Scholarship Holder will participate in interdisciplinary research focused on the development and characterization of novel (nano)hormonochemotherapy strategies for hormone-dependent breast cancer. The main responsibilities will include:

• participating in the preparation and optimization of nanocarriers and formulations containing selected biologically active compounds;
• preparing solutions, materials, formulations, and samples for physicochemical, analytical, and biological studies;
• participating in the physicochemical characterization of the developed nanomaterials and formulations;
• participating in studies of formulation stability, encapsulation efficiency, and release profiles of active compounds;
• assisting with cell culture experiments and preparation of biological material for further studies;
• participating in in vitro studies evaluating the biological activity and cytotoxicity of selected compounds, drug combinations, and developed (nano)hormonochemotherapeutics;
• participating in experiments involving basic methods of cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry;
• supporting studies investigating cancer cell responses to the tested compounds, their combinations, and formulations;
• participating in the preparation of samples and materials for studies using advanced cellular and tissue models, including 3D and organoid models;
• participating in the analysis of relationships between the physicochemical properties of the developed formulations and their observed biological activity;
• processing, analyzing, and organizing experimental data;
• maintaining laboratory documentation in accordance with the procedures adopted by the project team;
• collaborating with the scientific supervisor and other members of the interdisciplinary research team;
• participating in team meetings and preparing and presenting the results of conducted research.

Where to apply

Website

https://system.erecruiter.pl/FormTemplates/RecruitmentForm.aspx?WebID=acc70e70a…

Requirements

Research Field

Other

Education Level

Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Requirements

The candidate should:

• be a second-cycle (Master’s degree) student in biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, nanotechnology, bionanotechnology, chemistry, pharmacy, materials engineering, or a related field of science, life sciences, or medical sciences;
• demonstrate an interest in medical biotechnology, nanomedicine, nanomaterials, drug delivery systems, and the investigation of biological activity and mechanisms of action of biologically active compounds;
• have basic knowledge of biology, biochemistry, cell biology and/or nanotechnology, chemistry, and physicochemistry;
• have basic laboratory experience and knowledge of good laboratory practice;
• be familiar with, or willing to learn, methods for the preparation, optimization, and characterization of nanomaterials and formulations, as well as methods used in in vitro biological studies;
• have the ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly present research results;
• have sufficient command of English to work with scientific literature in English;
• demonstrate accuracy, reliability, and attention to the quality of experimental work and laboratory documentation;
• have good organizational skills, the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team, and good communication skills;
• be highly motivated to pursue scientific development and gain practical experience in an interdisciplinary research and development project.
• not receive another scientific scholarship under another programme implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science, irrespective of its source of funding, with the exception of the START programme.

Specific Requirements

Additional Assets

The following will be considered an advantage:

• knowledge or experience in nanomedicine, biomaterials, pharmaceutical formulations and/or drug delivery systems;
• experience in the synthesis, preparation, modification, functionalization and/or characterization of nanomaterials;
• knowledge of or experience with methods used for the characterization of nanomaterials and formulations, e.g. DLS, zeta potential measurements, UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, or related methods;
• experience in cell culture and/or performing assays of biological activity, cytotoxicity, or cellular responses to tested compounds;
• familiarity with basic methods of cell biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry, e.g. fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, Western blot, PCR/RT-qPCR, or related methods;
• interest in investigating the molecular mechanisms of action of biologically active compounds.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Other

Internal Application form(s) needed
PUB EURAXESS 0709_Student_FENG_PostDoc_Rekrutacja_PL_ENG.pdf
English
(161.84 KB - PDF)
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Additional Information
Benefits

• a work environment at a research organization focused on implementing innovative, prestigious research and development projects that support sustainable development, based on the principles of equality,
• opportunities for continuous professional development,
• free parking space.

Eligibility criteria

Required Documents

Candidates are requested to submit:

• a CV including information on education, research experience, and scientific achievements;
• a cover letter describing the candidate’s scientific interests and motivation to participate in the project;
• a list of publications, conference presentations, participation in research projects, and other scientific achievements;
• a document confirming student status and fulfilment of the formal eligibility requirements of the competition;
• other documents confirming the qualifications and experience indicated in the application, if applicable;
• the required consent to the processing of personal data for the purposes of the recruitment procedure, in accordance with the clause provided below.

Candidate Evaluation Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated by the selection committee, taking into particular consideration:

• previous scientific and research achievements;
• experience and competencies relevant to the implementation of the project tasks;
• scientific achievements, including publications, conference presentations, and participation in research projects;
• alignment of the candidate’s scientific profile and research interests with the scope of the project;
• motivation for scientific work and participation in the project;
• performance during the interview.

Selection process

Recruitment Procedure

• Recruitment will be conducted through an open competition.
• Applications will be evaluated by the selection committee based on the submitted documents and, for candidates selected for the next stage, an interview.
• Selected candidates will be invited to an interview. Information regarding the date and venue of the interview will be provided electronically.
• Candidates will be informed of the outcome of the recruitment procedure.
• The organizer reserves the right not to select a candidate if none of the applicants meets the requirements specified in the call.

Additional comments

Additional Information

Applications should be submitted to the following address: https://system.erecruiter.pl/FormTemplates/RecruitmentForm.aspx?WebID=acc70e70ae38402c835f0b1dd1472db8

Documents should be submitted exclusively in electronic form.

The application deadline is 24 September 2026.

Interviews will be held on 28–29 September 2026.

The successful candidate is expected to be selected by 30 September 2026.

The scholarship is expected to commence no later than 5 October 2026.

 

Personal Data Processing Consent

Please include the following clause in the CV submitted to Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology:

Pursuant to Articles 22¹a and 22¹b of the Act of 26 June 1974 – the Labour Code, I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents by Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology, ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków, for the purposes necessary to conduct the current recruitment process. I also declare that I have been informed of my rights to access and rectify my personal data, request its erasure, restrict its processing, data portability, object to the processing of my personal data, withdraw my consent to its processing at any time, and lodge a complaint with the President of the Personal Data Protection Office if I consider that my personal data is being processed in violation of applicable legal requirements. I have also been informed that providing such data is voluntary.

Candidates interested in participating in future recruitment processes conducted by Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology should additionally include the following clause in their CV:

I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data by Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology, ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków, for the purposes of future recruitment processes conducted by the Institute. I also declare that I have been informed of my rights as described above.

Please be informed that the controller of your personal data is Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology (hereinafter: the “Institute”), with its registered office at ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków. Personal data will be processed by the Institute for the purpose of conducting the current recruitment process for the specified position and, where explicit and voluntary consent has been provided, also for the purposes of future recruitment processes. Providing personal data is voluntary.

More information on personal data protection is available on the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology data protection page .

Website for additional job details

https://kit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/kariera/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology

Country

Poland

State/Province

malopolskie

City

Krakow

Postal Code

30-418

Street

73 Zakopianska Street

Geofield

Contact

State/Province

Malopolska

City

Krakow

Website

https://kit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/

Street

Zakopianska 73

Postal Code

30-418

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED

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