Research specialist (role in the project: Technician)

Research specialist (role in the project: Technician)

Recruitment for the project “RNA and Cell Biology Platform for Research and Innovation in Medicine (RACE-PRIME)” (grant agreement no. FENG.02.01-IP.05-T003/23) implemented within the framework of the International Research Agendas funded by the European Funds for Smart Economy programme, for Research specialist (role in the project: Technician) to carry out research work in the cell biology area under the direction of Prof. Marta Miączyńska, head of the Laboratory of Cell Biology at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), in collaboration with prof Jacek Jaworski (Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology).

The aim of RACE-PRIME is to establish IIMCB as a world-class Center of Excellence in RNA and Cell Biology. The goal of RACE-PRIME is to translate basic research findings, e.g., for developing new therapies, diagnostic methods, discovering new therapeutic targets, or identifying molecules with desired properties to be developed into drugs.

Description of the project area: The MAB project focuses on creating a platform to develop cutting-edge models (e.g., cerebral organoids) to thoroughly study rare diseases and to develop new potential treatments or biomarkers of disease progression. This particular part of the project focuses on a neurodevelopmental aspect of selected rare disorders and will focus on one hand on mTORopathies such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex or neurofibromatosis and on the other hand on newly identified mutations leading to severe neurological phenotypes in patients.

Job description: Our overarching aim is to identify rare neurodevelopmental disorders’ mechanisms that can be targeted either with small molecules or RNA therapeutics to the patients’ benefit. To achieve this, you will be responsible for establishing and thoroughly analyzing iPSC cells and their neural derivatives using genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Finally, drugability of selected targes needs to be confirmed in preclinical animal models.

In this project, you will use advanced mammalian cell cultures, transcriptomics, proteomics, fluorescence microscopy, drug screening approaches, and microbiological techniques such as anaerobic bacteria culturing. You will also have an opportunity to work with mice or zebrafish models of selected rare neurodevelopmental diseases.

Requirements:

1. MSc degree in biological sciences or related field.
2. Knowledge of molecular and cell biology or neurobiology
3. Hands-on experience in laboratory work
4. Prior experience in following techniques will be an advantage (but not a prerequisite):

• cell culture (cell lines, organoids, CRISPR-based cell line modification techniques)
• fluorescence microscopy
• working with mice (handling, injections, oral gavage, dissection, perfusion)

5. Independence, commitment, initiative, teamwork skills.
6. Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Selection criteria:

1. Technical competencies, experience and alignment of specialized knowledge with the position.
2. Scientific achievements.
3. Soft skills - proficiency in English, high motivation, good critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, teamwork ability, alignment of individual development plans with project goals.

Candidates will be selected through an open competition, in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which are part of the HR Excellence in Research strategy https://shorturl.at/fjot2

We offer:

1. Full-time employment contract, initially for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension.
2. Competitive salary starting from 6000 PLN gross/month (the final monthly gross salary will be calculated individually during the employment process, considering the length of service). Additional bonuses such as the 13th salary (after working for the Institute for six months in a given calendar year).
3. Attractive benefits package including subsidization for MultiSport card and medical insurance.
4. Full technical, administrative, and organizational support in Polish and English from professional staff.
5. Opportunity to participate in courses, conferences, scientific training, and substantive support from colleagues.
6. Opportunity to do a PhD in an extramural form.

Applications can be submitted until October 15^th, 2024. The proposed start date of employment
is November 1^st, 2024, or later.

How to apply:

1. Please send your applications to the email address: recruitment@iimcb.gov.pl
2. In the email subject line, please include the following information: "CELL 3 Technician MAB" followed by your first and last name.
3. Applications should be submitted in English. The application should include a CV,
   list of achievements, a motivation letter describing key scientific achievements, and contact details (email and phone number) of at least two potential referees, including your direct supervisor.
4. Please include the following statement in your CV: "I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application documents to be processed by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the recruitment process." Full information is available at https://bit.ly/3ObTUdJ

The competition may be extended until a candidate meeting all requirements is found.