| The P4Health Centre of Excellence is an interdisciplinary initiative focused on advancing Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, and Participatory (P4) approaches in health and medicine. Within the IRAP framework, the project’s scientific goal is to discover and validate novel therapeutic concepts aimed at counteracting symptoms of brain disorders associated with astrocyte pathology. The applied research programme is designed to deliver a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of astrocyte dysfunction and its impact on neuronal networks, building on the complementary expertise of a team with a strong publication record in reputable journals and proven experience in identifying nervous system pathomechanisms and developing prototype drug candidates. Project outcomes will be protected as intellectual property and will provide a foundation for translation through clinical studies and appropriate commercialisation pathways. P4Health’s key features: • Interdisciplinary centre advancing P4 approaches in health and medicine • Applied, mechanism-driven research focused on astrocyte dysfunction and its effects on neuronal networks • Strong scientific track record demonstrated through high-quality publications and prior discoveries in nervous system pathomechanisms • Translation-oriented strategy, from concept validation to clinical studies and commercialisation • Systematic protection and management of intellectual property to support downstream implementation Position description: 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. Previously, we have combined from brain region- and cell-specific genetic manipulation followed by behavioral and functional readouts and identified circuit-specific responses of astrocytes to neurotransmission and its behaviorally-relevant modulation. We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher to broaden our think-tank with his expertise in monitoring functional processes in vivo upon targeted genetic manipulation. The ideal candidate has a strong motivation to perform translational research in neuroscience, presents deep background knowledge in molecular mechanisms of brain disorders, supported by a track record of publications, and is capable of independent and creative thinking. The position is intended for a person holding a doctoral degree for no longer than 5 years, who participates in the project as a Research Team Leader. The 5-year period is counted from the year of obtaining the doctoral degree. This period begins with the annual data of obtaining the degree, and ends with the year preceding the completion date, which may occur through a competition. The 5-year period may be extended to include any interrupted periods of research work occurring after obtaining the degree, provided that the interruption lasts no less than 6 months. |