Job details Print page

The ultimate goal of the project is to develop methods for modulation and control of stability of viruses. We plan to investigate both the stabilization and destabilization of viruses because they are both our enemies and, surprisingly, friends, depending on the point of view and specific situation. We need to destabilize or deactivate virions (virion – single viral particle; the body of virus) when they are causing diseases or sabotage biotechnological based industry processes. However, viruses are our allies as the main component of vaccines, “messengers” in genetic therapies or novel agents for biosensors. Therefore, there is also a need to support/strengthen virions or improve their activity.

The modulation of stability of viruses will be demonstrated on the example of bacteriophages (phages in short) – viruses, which hosts are bacteria. This choice is due to the importance of phages in the biotechnology industry, genetics, or analytical chemistry. Among them are species (like bacteriophage MS2), which are great models routinely utilized for studying viruses attacking eukaryotic (also human) cells.

The successful candidate will investigate issues related to the stability of viruses to understand the phenomena and processes that could lead to developing methods for the stabilization and inactivation of virions.

Primary responsibilities are as follow:

• Designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work independently, maintaining regular research notes.
• Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings, 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 8000 PLN per month financed from the NCN Sonata Bis 7 Project No. 2017/26/E/ST4/00041. The successful candidate is expected to start work within the project no later than 17th of July 2021. 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project.

The successful candidate will benefit in form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with biology, nanotechnology, physics and physical chemistry, so any profile of candidate will find some new knowledge to be gained upon 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.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

1.  PhD degree in chemical, physical or biochemical sciences, obtained no earlier than 7 years before the starting year of the employment in the project (this period might be longer due to family reasons (according to NCN rules).

2.  Publication record and rich scientific experience.

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

4.  Basic knowledge of rules and protocols valid in bio-labs.

5.  Knowledge of bacteriophages will be appreciated.

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

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

8.  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.