Postdoctoral researcher – Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology

The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMol) Polish Academy of Sciences, was constituted in December 2020, in partnership with the University Medical Centre Göttingen, Germany and the University of Warsaw, Poland.

IMol has been established to conduct scientific research and provide training in the fields of biological, chemical, medical, biotechnological, bioinformatics, biophysical, pharmacological, and similar sciences, in the international environment conducive to collaborative efforts, research and development interactions with the biotechnological industry, and wide dissemination of our results. We aim at the development of solutions that will help everyone on this planet live a safer life.

 

Currently, IMol is seeking highly motivated candidates for the position of Postdoc in the Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology.

Job start date: 1st of October 2024

Deadline for applying: 31st of May 2024

About the research group: Zmorzynska Group | IMol

Few words about the research project: You will join the project entitled “Influence of environmental factors related to maternal infection during pregnancy on the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in the zebrafish model” carried out as the SONATA BIS grant (UMO-2023/50/E/NZ3/00252) of the National Science Centre, Poland.

The project aims to answer how various environmental insults related to infection during pregnancy interact with changes caused by genetic mutation and how these interactions shape connectivity development and brain function to regulate specific behaviours related to neuropsychiatric disorders. With the use of an integrative, multi-level, and unbiased approach, we aim to unravel environmental influence on early brain development with the primary focus on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, and related learning disabilities using zebrafish semi- and high-throughput behavioural tests, next-generation sequencing methods, cutting-edge microscopy, and computer vision techniques.

We offer:

• Start date: 1st October 2024
• Full-time position for up to 5 years
• Salary of ca. 6.900 PLN net/month
• Medical care package and social benefits
• Flexible working hours
• Collaborative and supportive work culture
• Participation in an ambitious interdisciplinary project
• Working with state-of-the-art research equipment
• Opportunity to gain unique professional experience

Key responsibilities:

• Planning and performing experiments using zebrafish including (but not limited to) behavioral tests, live imaging of connectivity development, whole mount stainings and brain imaging, and transcriptome analysis
• Keeping a record of experimental details
• Data analysis, interpretation, and discussion
• Collaborate with team members
• Presenting results at internal and external meetings/conferences
• Preparing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals
• Active participation in the research conducted in the lab

Profile of candidates/requirements:

• PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, neurobiology, developmental biology, genetics, or related fields
• Knowledge in following disciplines: neurobiology, developmental biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and novel imaging techniques
• Solid understanding of the principles of brain development
• Previous hands-on experimental training in molecular biology, cell biology, or neurobiology
• Previous experience in working with animal models or with NGS data analysis
• Basic programming skills and willingness to develop in this area
• Willingness to work with a zebrafish animal model
• Keen interest in neurodevelopment, connectivity development, and molecular mechanisms underlying behavior
• Skilled use of Python and R would be an advantage
• Prior experience in working with zebrafish would be an advantage
• Good command of writen and spoken English is essential
• Good communication skills and a collaborative attitude

Required documents (in English):

• Cover letter
• CV
• List of publications
• Reference contacts (please do not send generic letters, contact details only)

If you think you are the person we are looking for, please apply by filling in this form: https://forms.gle/Exoy7iw4U8cYLL9C6