Experimental and Translational Immunology group (DGO lab, www.dgo.ug.edu.pl)
seeks to recruit a talented and passionate individual to work in the fields of nanoengineering and immunology
in the project carried out in collaboration with the Małopolska Centre for Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong and University of Oxford.

Project description:

Allergies occur when the immune system interprets a harmless antigen as a serious threat (e.g. pathogen invasion). The central role during the process is played by T lymphocytes, cells that can accurately identify an antigen and carry out a targeted response against it, resulting in a so-called “immune memory”. If the allergen is mistakenly recognized, these cells become hyper-responsive, which wind the spiral of inflammation and contributes to the production of antibodies against the allergen. Currently, specific immunotherapy (desensitization) is the only causative treatment available, working by eliminating T-cell hypersensitivity to allergens and forcing them into a state of so-called tolerance. Within this project we plan to develop a new nanoparticle-based method of supplying allergens during desensitisation to allow targeted delivery of allergens to direct the reactivity of these cells in a very targeted way to efficiently produce immunological tolerance.

Details of employment:

Full-time, up to 3 years (probatory period applies)

Gross salary: about 7700 PLN/month

Preferred starting date: September 2020 (negotiable)

Responsibilities:

1. Designing, planning and carrying out experimental work under the supervision of Principal Investigator, maintaining regular and complete research notes
2. Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings, national and international conferences as required
3. Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group
4. Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab including administrative and organizational tasks

Requirements:

1. Ph.D. in molecular biology, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, medical biology or similar (or expected to be awarded by September 2020).

Please note that funding institution (NCN; National Science Centre) regulations apply: the degree must be obtained no earlier than 7 years before joining the project, but this may be extended by previous sick or rehabilitation leaves granted, a child care leave, in case of women by 18 months for every child born or adopted, whichever manner of accounting for career breaks is preferable. For details please refer to the point 2.1.2. Full-time remuneration for a post-doc type post): https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/koszty_edycja_33_en.pdf.

2. Proven hands-on experience in nucleic acid and general molecular biology techniques
3. Interest in nanotechnology and its biomedical applications
4. Passionate, ambitious and motivated for scientific development
5. Ability to work independently, in a team and in collaborative projects
6. Very good English language skills (written and oral) as required for scientific environment

Desirable:

1. Hands-on experience in nanoengineering
2. Experience in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)