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Viruses are parasites with living cells as their hosts. Without cells, viruses cannot perform their life cycle. Often, viruses cause the host's death upon release of the number of copies of virions. A cascade of progeny virions attacks neighbouring cells or transfers to another host organism. Some viruses attack animals and humans, causing various diseases (like HIV, HPV, Hepatitis A and B, influenza, rotavirus, Zika, and rubies, to name only a few), plants (Tabaco mosaic virus), or even bacteria (bacteriophages). The COVID-19 pandemic gave the realization that we do not have suitable antiviral measures to provide the necessary protection.

The proposed project within Opus-23 call focuses on fighting viruses attacking bacteria – named bacteriophages, or phages for short. Phages cause serious problems when they infect bacteria-based biotechnological factories. Within hours, a single bacteriophage can be multiplied in millions of copies utilizing the biochemical machinery of the host. In each bacterial cell, up to a few hundred copies are formed and released. This usually results in the death of bacteria. Phage infections have profound repercussions as bacteria-based processes are one of the most important in biotechnology and dominate many branches of industry, which exploit the natural metabolic capabilities of bacteria to produce active substances. All factors which affect bacteria-based factories cause millions of dollars in losses.

Here, we propose the strategy to obtain antiphagents (antibacteriophage agents) that will be safe for bacteria and eukaryotic cells. This will allow online protection against phage infections. We will synthesize, purify, and characterize “mixed” (bearing positively charged, negatively charged, neutral and hydrophobic domains) nanoparticles and polymers and test them against model phages (T1, T4, T7, M13, MS2, phi6, PhiX174, QBeta), bacteria, and eukaryotic cells. We will tune the composition of the “mixed” domains to ensure efficacy against virions and safety towards cells.

The knowledge gained upon realization of the project might also be utilized against pathogenic viruses attacking humans, helping to fight against numerous diseases. Among the many bacteriophages, some (MS2, phi6, PhiX174, QBeta) are considered good surrogates for studies on eukaryotic, often dangerous, viruses.

Post-doc will be involved in the verification of bioactivity of prepared materials (nanoparticles and polymers) against virions and bacteria. The work will be focused on experimental work in the wet-lab, including plating methods.

 It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to perform experiments independently, plan the workflow and participate in the decision-making process.

Responsibilities:

• Designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work independently, maintaining regular research notes.
• Preparation of manuscripts and reports.
• Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings as well as in national and international conferences;
• Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group;
• Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, including necessary organizational tasks.

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of around 9600 PLN per month financed from the NCN OPUS 23 Project No. 2022/45/B/ST5/01500. 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for 12 months with possible extensions based on the performance (the maximum duration of the contract is planned for 24 months).

The successful candidate will benefit in the form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with nanotechnology, physics, material sciences, and physical chemistry, so a broad range of candidates will find new knowledge to be gained upon the realization of the project.

We plan to publish the results of the work in high-impact factor journals.

The successful candidate will be able to take advantage of all programs in the IPC PAS, including Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition and Mobility of Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition.

The institute provides an opportunity to participate in the ERASMUS+ programme.

1.  PhD degree in chemical or physical sciences, obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. For researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date. Extension might apply according to National Science Centre, Poland, rules.

2.  Publication record and rich scientific experience.

3.  Ability to work independently as well as in a group.

4.  Background in biology, biotechnology, or related sciences.

5.  Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).

6.  Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.

7.  Research experience in related fields will be advantageous.

The Commission will take into account the following criteria:

a) competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project,

b) previous scientific achievements of candidates,

c) awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research.

The commission evaluates applications on a point scale.