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We work on new treatment for retinal degeneration. Our goal is to establish a new method to deliver opsins to remaining neurons in the diseased retina in order to restore vision and also to prevent the network from further degeneration in animal models of inherited gene mutations most frequent in humans.

In the second part of the project we establish a new method of viral tracing in order to study the retinal connectome in healthy and diseased animals and assess the timeline and the extent to which the retinal network is affected when photoreceptor's degeneration occurs. We employ specific cell type tracing techniques (Aim 3) to deliver opsins to a large and extensive retinal area through, for example, wide-field Amacrine cells, using our AAV vector with the GAD1 promoter. The pseudotyped Rabies virus spreads through the dendrites of Amacrine cells and change infected bipolar and Amacrine cells into functional receptors. This approach not only restore visual function in the retina of the retinal degeneration animal model but also prevent the network from further degeneration. These studies are performed based on our expertise in visual neurophysiology and cutting edge neural circuit tracing using genetically modified rabies viruses.

The PostDoc position within SONATA BIS 9 is intended for candidates with a Ph.D. degree experienced in molecular biology techniques and gene cloning. Candidates should be interested in translational eye research and the development of new therapies to cure blindness or other diseases. The postdoctoral scholar will have a direct impact on lab development and its success in publishing in high impact factor journals. The person will also be responsible for performing dynamic research to create a competitive research group. The position comprise the following tasks: performing research in molecular biology, gene cloning, vector designing, viruses production and performing experiments with use of animals in vivo and/or in vitro.

The Project is realized in the Ophthalmic Biology Group (OBi) led by dr. hab. Andrzej Foik. OBi is assigned to the International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER). ICTER is funded within the International Research Agendas Program me of the Foundation for Polish Science. It is realized via collaboration between the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS and University College London, UK. The International Centre for Translational Eye Research is a multi-investigator center for eye research as related to imaging and biochemical techniques to support advances in understanding the etiology and treatment and human blinding diseases. Further information on the research priorities and current expertise of our Center can be found at http://www.icter.pl. 

• Performing research in molecular biology and neurobiology, performing experiments with use of animals in vivo and/or in vitro;
• Gene cloning, Vector designing. Transfections of cells in vitro and in vivo (in rodents), Viruses production;
• Experimental work record-keeping; 
• Acquisition of images of microscopic sections;
• Active participation in the creation of applications to the Local Ethical Commission;
• Edition of scientific texts and graphics for publications;
• Active participation in reporting;
• Creation of R&D documentation (description of technology);
• Handling bibliographic databases (eg. Mendeley);
• Supervision over students and Ph.D. students.

    • Full-time employment contract;
    • Salary: Around 9600 PLN gross/ month
    • Maximum planned period of contract: 6 months
    • Opportunity to work in an innovative scientific environment;
    • International cooperation with experienced researchers;
    • Competitive salary;
    • Access to well-staffed core facilities.

PostDoc will be part of a dynamic multi-disciplinary team and will have the possibility to collaborate with leading national and international groups in the fields of eye research. He/she will be encouraged to participate in national and international conferences.

Moreover, the successful candidate will be eligible for all programs at the IPC PAS, including the IPC PAS Young Scientists competition and the IPC PAS Young Scientists Mobility competition.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

1. Ph.D. degree in biology, neurobiology, medicine or related. The doctoral degree has to be obtained, not earlier, but  within 7 years prior to joining the project. This period does not include breaks related to: maternity leave, adoption leave, paternal leave, parental leave granted in compliance with the Employment Code, nor periods of sickness benefit or rehabilitation benefit granted on account of unfitness for work, including any caused by a health condition requiring rehabilitation. In such a case, the 7-year period is to be extended by the duration of the leave in question. 
2. Additionally, the candidate must meet the following condition: they did not have project’s principal investigator as their PhD supervisor or auxiliary supervisor; over the last two years preceding employment in the project they were not employed, pursuant to an employment contract, at the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS
3. Hands-on skills and experience in molecular biology, gene cloning, vector designing, viruses production;
4. Ability to work in a team and manage projects;
5. Strong work dedication, work ethics, discipline and independence;
6. Good problem-solving skills and creativity;
7. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written;
8. Completed training in accordance with the Act of 15 January 2015 on the protection of animals used for scientific or educational purposes will be an additional asset.

• Competences of the candidate with respect to specific tasks in a research project: hands-on skills and experience in molecular biology, gene cloning, vector designing and viruses production,
• previous educational/scientific achievements of the candidate,
• awards and distinctions of the candidate.