The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS is seeking a candidate for the position of: Postdoctoral Researcher in Laboratory of Host-Microbiota Interactions
Place of work: Laboratory of Host-Microbiota Interactions
Researcher career profiles (R1-R4): R2/R3
Field of science: Microbiology
Type of recruitment: FNP First TEAM FENG, project “New strategies for probiotic supplementation in the prevention and treatment of asthma” nr FENG.02.02-IP.05-0106/23
Requirements:
- D. degree in a relevant field,
- Research experience in the field of microbiology,
- Experience in 16S rRNA gene sequencing and data analysis (R/Python),
- Training in animal experimentation (especially mouse models of lung disease) will be an advantage.
Project description and the scope of tasks:
In the past 15 years, we have reached a milestone in understanding the significance of the microbiome in shaping human physiological processes. This phenomenon has contributed to interest in probiotic supplementation for health benefits. Due to studies showing the role of the microbiome in shaping lung immune responses, attempts have been made to adapt the use of already known probiotics for the prevention and treatment of lung diseases. One of these attempts was to study the effects of bacteria from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera on asthma. However, the results were inconclusive, which is why the recommendation to use probiotics to reduce symptoms of this disease has not been implemented in medical practice.
The debate on the causes of this failure is multidimensional, but two main factors are often pointed out: (i) the selection of inappropriate bacterial strains, and (ii) the lack of effective colonization of the human gastrointestinal tract.
As part of this research project, we propose two strategies to address both of these issues. Our first goal is to investigate the preventive and therapeutic potential of new bacterial strains in the context of asthma. The second goal is to develop a method to increase the efficacy of bacterial colonization, using opsonization with a particular antibody clone that we identified in our previous research. Your task will be to culture select bacterial strains isolated from mouse and human faeces, and to develop a method to stably colonize mouse intestines with these strains. Finally, you will test the efficacy of this strain or a combined bacterial consortium to ameliorate allergic airway inflammation in mice.
The approach presented above distinguishes us from existing solutions, as well as those proposed in submitted patent documents. First, we propose the use of bacterial strains outside the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, which dominate the probiotic market. Second, we are the first in the world to propose a method to increase the efficiency of bacterial colonization using monoclonal antibodies.
These solutions may pave the way for the commercialization of products that are not only unique on the market but, above all, more effective.
Employment conditions:
- type of contract: full-time employment contract,
- monthly remuneration: net approx. 9 400 PLN/month;
- duration of the contract: 4 years (3 months’ probation period)
- starting date: 01/01/2025 or upon agreement
Application procedure and deadline:
Required documents:
- CV with a publication list,
- Copy of a Ph.D. diploma,
- Cover letter,
- Contact details for 2 academic referees
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:
The documents should be sent to postdoc@nencki.edu.pl with note: „Postdoctoral Researcher FNP”.
Deadline: 31.08.2024 or until the position is filled.
The selected candidates may be invited for a scientific interview, to demonstrate her/his scientific achievements.
Contact information: t.wypych@nencki.edu.pl
Link to website: www.nencki.edu.pl
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 postdoc 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 organization and completion of the recruitment process, as well as for considering a possible complaint; however, not longer than up to 31.12.2024
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