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We work on a new treatment for retinal degeneration.

In this project, we use innovative techniques to develop a novel proof-of-concept approach to therapeutic gene delivery using a modified Rabies virus (RV) as a vector specific to Bipolar cells (BC). Despite the loss of rods and cones in the degenerated retina, surviving cells remain largely functional; therefore, they are considered the best target for optogenetic approaches for vision restoration. Transduction of those cells, including

BCs, can convert them to direct light detectors through supplementation of opsin proteins, and can mimic natural circuit mechanisms and information processing.
The PostDoc position within OPUS 24 project is intended for candidates with a Ph.D. degree experienced in neurobiology in vivo and/or in vitro techniques, immunohistochemistry, tissue isolation and preparation and some basic techniques of molecular biology. 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 comprises the following tasks: testing of new viral therapies in in vivo and/or in vitro research, analyzing visual information processing in the visual system before and after plasticity that happens due to disease or to vision recovery, and taking part in the preparation of viral vectors carrying therapeutic gene sequence.

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 related to imaging and biochemical techniques to support advances in understanding 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 the field of neurobiology (in vivo and/or in vitro experiments, intracerebral and intraocular injections, immunohistochemistry, tissue isolation and preparation) and molecular biology; data analysis.
• Experimental work record-keeping;
• Acquisition of images of microscopic sections;
• Active participation in preparation of the 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;
• 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.

• Ph.D. degree in biology, neurobiology, medicine or related. The doctoral degree has to be obtained not earlier, but within 12 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. 
• 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
• Hands-on skills and experience in neuroscience experiments with use of animals,
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques;
• Ability to work in a team and manage projects and people;
• Strong work dedication, work ethics, discipline and independence;
• Good problem-solving skills and creativity;
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written;
• Knowledge of Matlab, Python, and data analysis will be an additional asset.

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