Job details

Recruitment result
Place of work

Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS, Surface Nanoengineering for chemo- and bio-sensors Group

Funding institution

National Science Centre

Project description

Project title, type and project number

Plasmonic nanoparticles decorated with fluorescently-labelled mRNA: using single-pair FRET effect for investigating enzymes active in mRNA metabolism, OPUS 25 no. 2023/49/B/ST4/01450, 13/2024

Project leader

Prof. Joanna Niedziółka-Jönsson

Description

The aim envisioned in this interdisciplinary project is experimental optical detection and quantification of the activity of the enzymes responsible for mRNA degradation using a novel double-labelled nucleotide and mRNA-based fluorescent probes. The optical response of those probes can be strongly enhanced if chemically grafted to plasmonically active silver nanowires. Therefore, careful control of the surface modification of the plasmonic particles is required so that the distance between the particle and the probe is adjusted to ensure efficient enhancement of the fluorescence. The approach with plasmonic particles should give the opportunity to monitor the reaction at a single-molecules level and the activity in real time.

Job description

Number of vacancies

1

Key responsibilities include

• Synthesis of silver nanowires and its surface modifications with single and double-labelled nucleotides.

• Synthesis of silver nanowires and its surface modifications with single and double-labelled mRNA.

•   Influence of plasmon excitations in silver nanowires on optical properties of single and double-labelled probes.

Offer

Position in the project

PhD scholarship

Job type

scholarship

Salary

Scholarship of 2000 PLN/month

Position starts on

1.05.2024

Maximum planned period of contract/stipend agreement

36-month scholarship with possible extension to 48 months

We offer

  • 36-month scholarship of PLN 2000 per month financed from the NCN OPUS 25 Project No. 2023/49/B/ST4/01450 with possible extension to 48 months
  •  A job in an exciting interdisciplinary project, realized in a collaboration with Prof. Jemielity from Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw and prof. Maćkowski from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.
  • You will learn advanced optical microscopy techniques.
  • You will learn how to perform single-molecule measurements on a fluorescence microscope.
  • You will perform measurements of enzyme activity using FRET.

Career development prospects at IPC PAS

The successful candidate will gain an experience in optical detection and quantification of the enzyme activity responsible for mRNA degradation which may influence metabolism, gene expression, signalling and etc. The investigation of the photonic control of light-matter interaction at the nanoscale can be beneficial in construction of new hybrid systems based on RNA. 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 ERASMUS+ program.

Requirements

Scientific discipline

physical chemistry, chemical physics, biochemistry, biophysics, optics, photophysics, photochemistry or related fields

Scientific profile of a candidate

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Requirements

  • Completed Master's degree in chemistry, physics, biotechnology or related field.
  • Enthusiasm and engagement in the scientific work.
  • Basic knowledge of physical chemistry, nanomaterials, surface modification, molecular interactions, fluorescence microscopy.
  • Good knowledge in English.
  • Knowledge in synthesis of plasmonic particles is a plus.

Key assessment criteria

The Commission will take into account the following criteria and evaluate applications on a point scale:

  • the candidate’s research achievements, including publications in prestigious academic press /journals (50% of the final score)
  • research-related achievements, scholarships, awards and research experience gained in Poland or abroad, research workshops and training courses, participation in research projects (20% of the final score)
  • the candidate’s competence to carry out specific tasks in the research project (30% of the final score).
Required documents
  • Curriculum vitae, including a list of scientific achievements (scholarships, awards, publications, patents, conference presentations, research experience gained in Poland or abroad, research workshops and training courses, etc.)
  • Recommendation letter(s). At least one opinion of the candidate from a specialist in a relevant field of science.
  • Motivation letter.
  • Confirmation of having the status of PhD student enlisted in doctoral school at a university or institute of higher education in Poland.
Recruitment procedure

How to Apply: Send application directly to rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl;

IMPORTANT: email title “Recruitment 13/2024”; (emails without this number will be not considered!)

The scholarship will be awarded in accordance with the rules defined by National Science Center’s document "REGULATIONS FOR AWARDING NCN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NCN-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECT” https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2022/uchwala124_2022-zal1_ang.pdf and the Employment policy of the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS https://ichf.edu.pl/files/csr/ipc-procedures.pdf

The Commission will analyze CVs of the candidates. The top candidates will be invited for an online interview (29.04.2024). Good command of English is required. We reserve the right to contact and reply only to selected candidates.

- The incomplete applications will be not considered.

- The scholarship will be awarded to the person who obtains the highest number of points.

- The results of the competition are made public.

- 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.

Additional information

How to Apply: Send application directly to rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl;

IMPORTANT! email subject: “Recruitment no. 13/2024”

For more details about the position please visit:

jniedziolka@ichf.edu.pl

phone +48 22 343 3130

NCN scholarships may be awarded to a person who is a PhD student at a doctoral school at a university or institute of higher education in Poland;

According to “REGULATIONS FOR AWARDING NCN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NCN-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECT”

https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2022/uchwala124_2022-zal1_ang.pdf

Deadlines

Application deadline

26.04.2024 12:00

Deadline for the settlement of the competition

30.04.2024

Archival announcement. We would like to thank all candidates for their submitted applications.

Date of announcement: 8.04.2024

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