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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.

•  Investigation of enzymatic activity for double-labelled nucleotide probes featuring the FRET effect after chemical grafting to  plasmonically active silver nanowires.

•   Investigation of enzymatic activity for double-labelled mRNA probes featuring the FRET effect after chemical grafting to plasmonically active silver nanowires.

•  Investigation of enzymatic activity for double-labelled nucleotide and mRNA FRET probes densely packed on silver nanowires.

•  Investigation of enzymatic activity for individual FRET probes grafted to silver nanowires.

• 36-month scholarship of PLN 3000 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.

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.

• Completed Master's degree in chemistry, physics, biotechnology or related field.
• Enthusiasm and engagement in the scientific work.
• Basic knowledge of physical chemistry, nanomaterials, biologically active compounds, molecular interactions, fluorescence microscopy.
• Good knowledge in English.
• Knowledge of mRNA and enzymes is a plus.

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).