The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS is seeking a candidate for the position of: Postdoctoral Researcher at Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels

Number of available positions: 1
Place of work: Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels
Researcher career profiles (R1-R4): R2/R3
Field of science: biology
Type of recruitment: OPUS-25 NCN grant

Requirements: 

• Educational Background: The candidate should possess a Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field.
• Technical Skills:
• Comprehensive understanding and practical experience in modern biochemical and biophysical techniques.
• Proficiency in fluorescence methods.
• Experience in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) will be considered an additional advantage.
• Research Experience: Prior experience in studying ion channels, mitochondrial biology, or lipid signaling pathways will be highly advantageous.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze and interpret complex biological data, including those from transcriptomic and proteomic studies.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with a track record of presenting research findings at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team and contribute to the project’s goals
• Doctoral degree obtained not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project. The period of 7 years may be extended by the duration specified in the NCN regulations.

Project description: 

"The Potassium Puzzle: Unraveling the Connection Between the Potassium Channel and Lipid Kinases in Kidney Functioning"

Mitochondrial potassium channels play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our recent studies have revealed that the ROMK2 isoform of the Renal Outer Medullary Potassium (ROMK) channel forms complexes with two lipid kinases: acylglycerol kinase (AGK) in mitochondria and diacylglycerol kinase ε (DGKE) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These kinases catalyze the production of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and phosphatidic acid (PA), which stimulate ROMK2 activity. The localized synthesis of these lipids by the channel-bound kinases suggests a novel regulatory mechanism of ROMK2 in intracellular compartments. Understanding this interaction could provide new insights into renal physiology and identify potential therapeutic targets for conditions related to potassium homeostasis, electrolyte imbalances, and cytoprotection during ischemia/reperfusion events.

The primary aim of this project is to elucidate the molecular interactions between ROMK2 and the lipid kinases AGK and DGKE, and to investigate the physiological significance of these interactions in renal epithelial cells. Specific objectives include:

• Determining the structural architecture of ROMK2/AGK and ROMK2/DGKE complexes.
• Assessing the impact of AGK and DGKE on ROMK2 channel activity and localization within the cell.
• Evaluating the physiological consequences of ROMK2-AGK/DGKE interplay on renal epithelial function.

Scope of work:

• Purification of ROMK2/AGK and ROMK2/DGKE complexes.
• Preparation of samples for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
• Cooperation for cryo-EM structure determination.
• Conducting fluorescent binding and activity assays.
• Performing fluorescent microscopy to study the complexes and their functions.

Employment conditions:

• full-time fixed-term employment contract
• salary: ca 9.000 PLN (gross) per month
• employment period: 48 months

Application procedure and deadline:

Applications should be sent to: postdoc@nencki.edu.pl, with note: „Postdoctoral Researcher PK”.

Deadline: August 18^th 2024

Required documents:

• CV,
• Cover letter detailing relevant experience,
• Contact information for at least two references,
• Statement by the candidate that he/she will not receive remuneration from other projects funded by the National Science Centre.
• Declaration that the candidate will not take up other jobs during the period of employment in the project.

You can use the foreign equivalent of a Polish academic degree if it meets at least one of the following criteria:

• is covered by the provisions of an international agreement on the equivalence of education,
• was issued by an authorized institution operating in an EU, OECD or EFTA Member State,
• was issued in another country and recognized on the basis of the regulations on the recognition of academic degrees obtained abroad (learn more about the procedure for the recognition of academic degrees:

https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/recognition-for-professional-purposes/recognition-of-scientific-degrees-and-titles

For more information please contact: dr. hab. Piotr Koprowski

This position offers an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the understanding of renal physiology and potential therapeutic strategies. Join us in this exciting endeavor to unravel the complexities of ROMK2 channel regulation and its implications for kidney function and beyond.

Additional information:

Please include the following clause in your CV:

I give consent for my personal data included in the recruitment form to be processed by Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS with its registered seat in Warsaw at Pasteur Street No. 3 (data controller) for the purposes of recruitment for Postdoctoral Researcher position pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC in compliance with a legal obligation to which the data controller is subject to (Art. 6 section 1 letter a) and the Act on personal data protection of 10 May 2018 (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1000).

Information Clause:

The Controller of data is Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS with its registered seat in Warsaw at Pasteur Street No. 3.

Contact Details of the Personal Data Protection Officer: iod@nencki.edu.pl

Personal data in the recruitment form is collected and will be processed only for the purposes of recruitment for Postdoctoral Researcher position conducted by Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS.

Giving consent for processing of your personal data is voluntary; however, it is necessary in order to take part in recruitment. I hereby state that I was informed about the right to withdraw my consent at any time. The withdrawal of the consent does not influence the lawfulness of any processing performed before the consent withdrawal.

Personal data collected in order to perform the recruitment process shall be processed throughout the period of time necessary for the organisation and completion of the recruitment process, as well as for considering a possible complaint; however, not longer than for the period specified in the project regulations.

Personal data will not be transferred to a third party.

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