Early-Stage-Researcher position "Toxicology of supramolecular logic gates"

Early-Stage-Researcher Position "Toxicology of supramolecular logic gates"

Candidates with a background in cell biology, biochemistry or toxicology are invited to apply for an early-stage-researcher position (doctoral student) in the department of Cell Pharmacology and Developmental Toxicology at the Centre of Experimental Medicine of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava (supervisor: RNDr. Mojmir Mach) within the EU-funded Innovative Training Network (ITN) “LogicLab” (www.logiclab-itn.eu ).

The topic of the doctoral project will focus on evaluation of cytotoxicity and applicability of novel fluorescent reporters designed for simultaneous multicolor detection of reactive nitrogen (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the cellular level. The cytotoxicity will be evaluated by standard assays (such as MTT, neutral red uptake assay or cell cycle analysis) in the cellular models (microglia, fibroblasts, endothelial cells). The probes specificity will be evaluated in cell and cell-free systems exposed to different ROS and RNS as well as in the systems simultaneously generating these species (such as LPS-stimulated microglia, as the brain resident macrophages) using fluorescence-based methods. The probe applicability will be validated in such cellular models as microglia or brain microvascular endothelial cells. The methods based on novel molecular logics will be compared with standard methods of detection of RNS and ROS and confronted with biological consequences and signaling pathways of RNS and ROS generation (such as the expression of iNOS protein or proteins involved in regulation of the endothelial function). Scientific training in partner institutions include secondments at University of Leiden (The Netherlands), the company Mimetas (Leiden/The Netherlands), and at the Jagiellonian University of Krakow (Poland).

Candidates will be required to meet the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early-Stage-Researcher eligibility criteria: (http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/ ). In particular, at the time of appointment candidates must have had less than four years full-time equivalent research experience and must not have already obtained a PhD. Additionally, they must not have resided in Slovakia for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the appointment.

Your qualification:

• Master/Engineering degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Chemistry
• good knowledge and interest in both experimental and theoretical work
• interest in the field of cell biology is required
• knowledge in the field of ROS-sensitive probes and a track record in scientific publications are great assets
• fluent communication skills in English, both spoken and written

How to apply:

Applications or informal enquiries should be sent to Dr. Mojmir Mach at mojmir.mach@savba.sk .

The application must be accompanied with the following documents in PDF format:

• letter of motivation,

• curriculum vitae of at most 3 pages,

• transcripts of records from University/University College and copy of your degree

• copy of master’s thesis or any other publications (if available),

• two written recommendation letters (e.g. one by your Master thesis supervisor) and the referees contact details

As an equal opportunity employer IEPT CEM SAS is committed to increase the percentage of female scientists and therefore especially encourages them to apply.

Application deadline:

21st December 2020

Earliest start date: 

4th January 2021