Skip to main content
EURAXESS Researchers in motion

Job offer

Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences
Apply now
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
31 Oct 2023

Job Information

Organisation/Company
Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences
Department
Cooperative catalysis
Research Field
Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country
Poland
Application Deadline
Type of Contract
Temporary
Job Status
Other
Hours Per Week
Negotiable
Offer Starting Date
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme
Reference Number
Recruitment no 50/2023
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No

Offer Description

Student – scholarship position available in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS within NCN OPUS no. 2020/39/B/ST4/01952, "Combined experimental and theoretical studies of the catalytic activity of RPE65 enzyme using biomimetic active centre models (CatVis)." (project leader: dr hab. Adam Kubas)

The major aim of the CatVis project is to investigate the essential part of the classical visual cycle, the mechanism of all-trans-retinyl ester transformation into 11-cis-retinol carried out by the retinal pigment epithelium 65 kDa protein (RPE65). Whereas genetic disorders that lead to lack of the active RPE65 enzyme causes blindness, controlled inhibition of the protein was recently shown to be promising in macular degeneration treatment. Thus, our multidisciplinary project will focus on two particular mechanistic aspects of the RPE65-dependent step of the visual cycle: the function of the active site and the influence of the protein scaffold. The hypothesis that will be tested in the project is the involvement of an intermediate state that, from a quantum chemical point of view, is a superposition of cationic and radical states.

Our comprehensive approach will include synthesis of the biomimetic models of the RPE65 active site and spectroscopic investigation of its reactivity towards all-trans-retinyl ester augmented with comparative large-scale quantum chemical simulations of the model vs. enzymatic system. The electronic structure of involved species will be investigated with the state-of-the-art table-top X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The analysis of spectroscopic data will be supported with calculations.

The student involved in the project will carry out quantum chemical calculations that aim to explain the electronic structure changes of the RPE65 active site upon trans to cis isomerization of retinoids.

Responsibilities:

Student will be involved in the realization of the following research tasks:

  • investigation of the electronic structure of RPE65 biomimetic models of the active site
  • simulations of spectroscopic data
  • writing reports and manuscripts’ drafts

Where to apply

E-mail
rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl

Requirements

Research Field
Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Education Level
Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
  • Status of a student in Poland (MSc or PhD studies);
  • Specialization in chemistry or physics;
  • Experience in quantum chemical calculations;
  • Experience in programming;
  • Basic knowledge in spectroscopic methods.
Specific Requirements

University degree in chemistry or physics.

Required documents:

  • Scientific curriculum vitae, including a list of scientific achievements
  • Motivation letter
  • At least one recommendation letter
  • A transcript of the grades/credits received during the last stage of studies and grade point average
Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Good
Research Field
ChemistryPhysics
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Additional Information

Benefits

The scholarship amount is 2 000 PLN per month, financed from the NCN OPUS project no. 2020/39/B/ST4/01952, " Combined experimental and theoretical studies of the catalytic activity of RPE65 enzyme using biomimetic active centre models (CatVis)". Planned period of stipend agreement: 12 months with the possibility of extension.

We offer:

  • Participation in high-impact research;
  • Access to modern research infrastructure;
  • Opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team;
  • Participation in international conferences;
Eligibility criteria
  • The candidate’s competence to carry out specific tasks in the research project;
  • Accomplished projects;
  • Research output up to day.
Selection process
  • The best applicants will be invited for an interview (on-site or online).
  • The scholarship will be awarded in accordance with the NCN regulations: "Rules of granting scholarships to young scientists in research projects" (Annex to Resolution No 25/2019 of the NCN Council, 14.03.2019) and in accordance with the Employment policy of the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS (https://ichf.edu.pl/files/intranet/employment-policy.pdf). A scholarship agreement will be signed with successful applicants on condition that the Institute of Physical Chemistry signs the grant agreement with NSC.
  • The commission evaluates applications on a point scale. The scholarship will be awarded to the person who obtains the highest number of points.
  • If the top candidate does not sign the contract due to the resignation, we reserve the right to choose the next candidate from the ranking list.
  • The results of the competition are made public.
Additional comments
  • Send application directly to rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl; IMPORTANT! email subject: "Recruitment no. 50/2023"
  • Planned online interviews: 20.11.2023 (the recruitment committee reserves the right to conduct an interview with selected candidates, about which they will be informed separately)
  • Deadline for the settlement of the competition: 27.11.2023

The controller of your personal data is the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office in Warsaw, NIP: 5250008755 (the "Institute"). The Institute will process your data for the purpose of carrying out scientific and research activities, providing services and contact with the Institute, on the basis of a contract (in connection with the performance of the contract or in order to take action on your request before the contract is concluded Article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of GDPR), the legitimate interest of the Institute (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter f) of the GDPR) and legal provisions (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter c) of the GDPR) - depending on the circumstances. You have the right to: request access to your data, receive a copy of it; rectify (correct) it; delete it; limit its processing; transfer it; lodge a complaint to the supervisory body; withdraw your consent for processing at any time (withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out prior to its withdrawal) or to lodge an objection to data processing. More information is available on the Institute's website. http://ichf.edu.pl/gen_inf/gen_en/GDPR%20-%20General%20Information%20Clause.pdf

Website for additional job details

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences
Country
Poland
State/Province
Mazowieckie
City
Warszawa
Postal Code
01-224
Street
Kasprzaka 44/52
Geofield

Contact

City
Warsaw
Website
Street
Warsaw, Kasprzaka 44/52
Postal Code
PL-01-224

Share this page