POST DOC (Senior Specialist – Research Engineer) in Cancer Neurophysiology 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, which, in turn, serve as a basis for innovative solutions for the industry. With high-class specialists and state-of-art infrastructure, we provide capacity for the most advanced research. Our Institute consists of three research centers – Life Sciences & Biotechnology Center, Materials Science & Engineering Center and Population Diagnostics Center, with access to specialized core laboratories – a combination, which allows to carry out both, scientific research and pilot studies for the industry in a comprehensive manner.
Due to our growing needs, we invite candidates to apply for the position of
POST DOC (Senior Specialist – Research Engineer).
Cancer Neurophysiology Group (Kucharczyk Lab) at Łukasiewicz Research Network, Polish Centre for Technology Development (Łukasiewicz-PORT) bridges Neuroscience with Oncology aiming to comprehend neurogenic regulation of carcinogenesis and associated pain. Employing state-of-the-art techniques (i.e., in vivo optical imaging, electrophysiology and optogenetics) we selectively sample and modulate activity of genetically defined neuronal populations and analyse (FACS, tissue clearing, omics) their effects on tumour biology. In this pursuit, our group aspires to forge innovative therapies for cancer and associated pain, rooted in a deep understanding of neuronal systems. See more about us: https://port.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/en/rd/life-sciences-biotechnology-center/cancer-neurophysiology-group/
The role:
You will work on a generously funded project that delves into presynaptic control of primary sensory neurons by top-down brainstem noradrenergic neurons. You will use novel sensory neuron type specific alpha-2c-adrenoceptor knock-out mice in conjunction with selective optogenetic modulation of the top-down noradrenergic circuits to probe the noradrenergic mechanisms controlling nociception. Through better understanding of the system, we aim to develop new class of analgesics for chronic pain.
You will be specialising in rodent behaviour and in vivo optical imaging. An ideal candidate will have a background in behavioural testing on rodents and strong drive to learn in vivo neurophysiological techniques (such as calcium imaging). Following the CNS virus microinjections in transgenic animals (stereotax), you will be performing optogenetic behavioural assays and in vivo optical (1 and 2-photon, Miniscopes) using established in the laboratory pipelines. Additionally, you will perform tissue analysis (IHC/tissue clearing with confocal/light-sheet imaging) post-mortem. You will supervise correct transgenic animal lines breeding (in continuous cooperation with the lab technician) and take responsibility for regulated animal procedures. You will ensure that data (and associated metadata) are of the highest quality and in a form that allows for further processing. Following data analysis you will be preparing manuscripts for publication.
You will be asked to: i) independently undertake own research projects, design, and execute experiments in consultation with the group leader, ii) initiate and manage long-term investigations and collaborations with other researchers in Poland and abroad, iii) participate in lab activities, including group meetings, journal clubs, seminars and conferences, iv) write up findings for publications and completing revisions, v) collaborate with other lab members on research projects.
Requirements:
- Holds or be near completion of PhD in Neuroscience or related discipline (i.e. Neurobiology, Biophysics, etc.),
- Advanced spoken and written English skills,
- Proven (published) research track record,
- Ability to travel, exchange knowhow, and present data internationally,
- Ability to plan your own work and/or the work of the person you line manage (i.e. PhD students),
- Documented work with rodent models (especially behavioural tests),
- Good understanding of molecular genetics and viral vectors,
- Good analytical skills.
Desirable:
- Experience with pain models,
- Experience in animal surgery (stereotaxic injections),
- Experience in behavioural assays (affective, locomotor and nociceptive thresholds assessment, preferably with computer vision tools),
- Experience in neurophysiological techniques, especially in vivo functional optical imaging (1-/2-photon)
- Knowledge of electrophysiological techniques;
- Knowledge of neuropharmacology and optogenetics,
- Coding skills, or ability to implement written scripts in R/Python/Matlab for data analysis.
We offer:
- Full-time employment on the position of Senior Specialist for 32 months.
- Work in a scientific and research organization focused on the implementation of innovative prestigious research and development projects;
- Co-financing for private medical care;
- Co-financing for a sports card;
- Possibility to join group life insurance;
- Co-financing under the Social Benefits Fund (for holidays and Christmas);
- Work on the territory of a green science campus;
- Free parking space;
- Additional 10 days of paid leave for employees of the research division holding the title PhD.
If you are interested, please apply via the link below:
Application deadline: 30.09.2024
We kindly inform you that the controller of your personal data is Network Institute operating under the name of Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Stabłowicka 147, 54-066 Wrocław, Poland. The data contained in job application will be processed for the purposes of the current recruitment process, and – if the consent is given – for the purposes of future recruitment. We kindly inform you about your right to access your data and correct it, as well as your right to withdraw your consent to data processing at any time without the impact on the compliance with the law of the processing performed on the grounds of consent given before withdrawal thereof. Providing personal information is voluntary.
More information on the protection of personal data: https://port.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/en/data-protection/
Information about candidates applying for the above role is public information in the scope covered by the requirements specified in the recruitment announcement. Information on the result of the recruitment process, including the job position for which the recruitment was carried out, the name or names and surname of the selected candidate and his place of residence within the meaning of the provisions of the Act of 23 April 1964 – Civil Code as well as the justification of the candidate’s selection or not employing any the candidate will be made public in accordance with the Act of February 21, 2019 on the Łukasiewicz Research Network.
We kindly inform you that we will contact only selected candidates.