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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 Ph.D. student position within OPUS 24 project is intended for candidates with a M.Sc. degree in biology or related, experienced in neurobiology in vivo and/or in vitro techniques. Candidates should be interested in translational eye research and the development of new therapies to cure blindness or other diseases. The Ph.D. student 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.  

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 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.  

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.

• Performing research in the area of neurobiology  (in vivo and/or in vitro experiments),
• Edition of scientific texts and graphics for publications,
• Creation of R&D documentation (description of
• technology),
• Handling bibliographic databases (eg. Mendeley).

We offer a scholarship position in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a monthly stipend of   financed from the OPUS 24 No. 2022/47/B/NZ5/03023.

We offer work in a young, dynamically developing team with modern research infrastructure. Funds are allocated to cover participation in international conferences and for short visits in collaborating laboratories. We plan to publish the results of the work in high impact factor journals.

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

• At the starting date of the work within the project, the applicant should be a participant in a doctoral programme (pursuant to the Act on Higher Education of 27 July 2005) or PhD student at a doctoral school (pursuant to the Act on Higher Education and Science of 20 July;
• M.Sc. degree in biology or related ;
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• MS Office (additional skills in graphic programs will be an asset).

The recruitment committee shall evaluate the candidates’ research achievements, their research-related achievements and competencies as regards specific tasks in the research project, expressed as a point score:

• the candidate’s research achievements, including publications in prestigious academic press /journals (50% of the final score)
• research 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)