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Senior Research Specialist POST-DOC in the FIRST TEAM FENG Project

The Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology is announcing a recruitment competition for the position of Senior Research Specialist POST-DOC in the FIRST TEAM FENG project (no. FENG.02.02-IP.05-0029/23) titled “Innovative (nano)hormone chemotherapy: New strategies for drug delivery in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancers.”

Project Leader: Dr Barbara Pucelik

Project Description: The project aims to develop innovative (nano)hormone chemotherapy for hormone-dependent breast cancers expressing the HER2 receptor (HR+HER2+). These cancers, associated with poor prognosis and high mortality, account for over 50% of breast cancer cases. Current treatment involves chemotherapy, hormonal drugs, and targeted therapies. Unfortunately, resistance often develops during treatment, and the effectiveness of hormonal and HER2-targeted therapies decreases due to overlapping pathways. Therefore, there is a need for dual HR and HER2-targeted drug regimens with high efficacy, fewer side effects, and resistance avoidance. The project aims to select unique combinations of chemotherapeutics and molecules interacting with hormone receptors with synergistic effects and a high safety profile, prepare bioconjugates, and encapsulate them in naturally derived polymers. Subsequent steps include in vitro and in vivo studies to confirm the safety of the (nano)hormonechemotherapeutics. A key phase will be the development of a translational organoid model derived from patient tumor tissues that reflects the realistic tumor microanatomy. These organoids will be used for translational tests of nanodrug activity, helping to predict patient responses to the applied (nano)hormonechemotherapy and demonstrating that it could compete with conjugates belonging to the most expensive HR+HER2+ therapy forms.

Job Description/Tasks: The person employed as Senior Research Specialist POST-DOC will be involved in project tasks related to medical chemistry, cell biology, and biotechnology. Main responsibilities will include:

  • Conducting cell cultures;
  • Optimizing procedures related to in vitro studies and organoid (3D) cultures;
  • Assisting with in vivo experiments on a mouse model;
  • Performing cytotoxicity tests;
  • Conducting biological analyses using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy;
  • Conducting gene expression studies (RT-PCR) and immunoenzymatic assays;
  • Describing and analyzing experiments, conducting statistical analyses, and preparing research results;
  • Preparing scientific publications presenting research results;
  • Presenting research results at national and international conferences;
  • Collaborating closely with the Project Leader and the project team;
  • Solving experimental problems, creating new project ideas, testing hypotheses, analyzing scientific data from various sources, mentoring and training junior project team members (students, PhD candidates).

Requirements: The ideal candidate for the Senior Research Specialist POST-DOC position in the Nanomaterials, Biophysics, and Medical Biotechnology Group (Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology) should:

  • Hold a PhD in natural or life sciences in the field of biological sciences or related disciplines;
  • Have obtained the PhD no more than 7 years ago (calculated from the year following the year the degree was awarded). This period can be extended for women by 1 year for each child born or adopted, and for men by 1 year for each child if they took at least 6 months of continuous leave. The extension is also granted for any continuous break in scientific work lasting at least 6 months, regardless of gender;
  • Have a scientific record documented by publications in international journals (indexed in Scopus/Web of Science);
  • Have experience in executing scientific projects;
  • Have experience in using laboratory equipment, including flow cytometers, fluorescence microscopes, thermocyclers, and plate readers (for spectroscopic and spectrofluorimetric measurements);
  • Have experience working with cancer cells, stem cells, and 3D cell models (organoids and spheroids);
  • Have experience in conducting in vivo research (mouse models);
  • Experience in drug development research and knowledge of cell biology and molecular biology techniques will be an additional advantage;
  • Be proficient in using specialized software such as OriginLab/MS Office/GraphPad Prism;
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English at a C1 level;
  • Exhibit competencies such as scientific independence, availability, excellent organizational skills, the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team, and creative thinking;
  • Show willingness to collaborate in the research team and share knowledge and experience during scientific conferences and outreach events;
  • Knowledge and experience in research on the properties of biologically active compounds and drug carrier design will be an additional advantage.

Employment Conditions:

  • Full-time employment contract for 48 months;
  • Salary: 12,000 PLN gross/gross per month;
  • Work in a research organization focused on innovative, prestigious R&D projects;
  • 36 days of vacation per calendar year;
  • Benefits package (vacation funding, additional healthcare package, opportunity to join a life insurance program);
  • Opportunities for continuous professional development and support from the Institute;
  • Free parking space;
  • A work environment supporting sustainable development, based on equality principles.

Application should include:

  • A scanned copy of the PhD diploma or equivalent document confirming the PhD degree;
  • CV including the candidate’s scientific activity (participation in research projects, authorship/co-authorship of scientific articles, participation in conferences, competitions, awards, community service, training, and certifications);
  • A cover letter addressing the fulfillment of the competition requirements;
  • A consent statement for personal data processing: I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the job application for the purpose necessary for the recruitment process (in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act, Journal of Laws 2002 No. 101, item 926, as amended).

Additional Information: The Selection Committee reserves the right to conduct interviews with selected candidates (candidates will be informed about the time and place via email). Applications should be sent to the specified address: link. Documents must be submitted in electronic form only.

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The deadline for submitting documents is September 30, 2024.

Interviews will be held on October 2-3, 2024.

The final decision will be made no later than October 8, 2024.

The project start date is no later than October 20, 2024.

Please include the following clause in your CV sent to the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology: Based on Article 221a and Article 221b of the Labor Code of June 26, 1974, I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology, ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków, for the purposes necessary for the ongoing recruitment process. I declare that I have been informed of my right to access, correct, request deletion, restrict processing, transfer my data, object to data processing, and withdraw my consent at any time, and to lodge a complaint with the President of the Personal Data Protection Office if I believe my data is being processed unlawfully. I also acknowledge that providing this data is voluntary. If you are interested in future recruitment processes conducted by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology, please additionally include the following clause in your CV: I consent to the processing of my personal data by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology, ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków, for the purposes of future recruitment processes conducted by the Institute. I declare that I have been informed of my rights (as described above). We inform you that the administrator of your personal data is the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology (hereinafter: the Institute) located at ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków. Personal data will be processed by the Institute for the purpose of conducting the current recruitment process, and in the case of explicit and voluntary consent – also for future recruitment. Providing personal data is voluntary. More information on personal data protection can be found at: https://kit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/dane-osobowe/

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