Postdoc position is available in NCN founded project (OPUS) to study cell-to-cell communication based on the autocrine, juxtacrine and paracrine actions of miRNAs in early stages of pregnancy

Position: Postdoc in NCN founded project

Full time, fixed term for maximum 32 months

Month salary range: 3400.00 – 3750.00 PLN (tax not included)

Expected start date: January 2016

Institution:

Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IARFR PAS) in Olsztyn (https://www.pan.olsztyn.pl/en/) is awarded the highest in Poland A+ category, being recognized as the best in agricultural sciences with strong position in life sciences, with 130 science staff carrying out basic and applied research. Very well equipped facilities in a workplace of a young and emerging research group are available at the IARFR PAS.

Indicative performance criteria:

• A PhD or equivalent scholarly, as appropriate to the discipline (agriculture science, biology, biotechnology or related).
• Excellent research background in molecular biology, specifically mRNA or miRNA techniques, and primary cell culture.
• Evidence of engagement in high-quality research activity documented by the emerging track record of high-quality publications in reputable journals and other appropriate media of similar standing.
• High motivation for scientific work supported by previous research activity (participation in conferences and courses, scholarships, grants, patents, awards, prizes, scientific cooperation, participation in scientific exchange programs, etc.) and the opinions of previous supervisors/co-workers.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry technology, fluorescent microscopy and statistics/bioinformatics methods will be advantageous.

Person specification – essential criteria:

• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, colleagues, etc.
• Ability to work individually on own initiative and without close supervision, and as part of a team.
• Ability to work efficiently as part of a team and constructively contribute to achieving the team’s objectives.
• Ability to exercise a degree of innovation and creative problem-solving.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Position and project description:

Post doc position in the project „Autocrine, juxtacrine and paracrine actions of miRNAs in early stages of pregnancy in pigs” (PI: Dr. Monika M. Kaczmarek) – it is strictly research type position; any teaching duties are planned, except assistance in the assessment of M.Sc. student knowledge and supervision of M.Sc. student projects if required.

Preparation of the uterus (obtaining receptive state), synchronized with the development of the embryo, is necessary to establish proper communication of the embryo and the mother during early pregnancy in mammals. Research conducted so far has not allowed elucidating a definitive role of molecules involved in the dialogue embryo-mother during pregnancy. Despite numerous studies, a key step in the process of breeding – embryo implantation in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) remains one of the least understood biological processes. It has been proposed that receptivity of endometrium could be altered by non-transcriptional, non-translational mechanisms including exchange of signaling and adhesion molecules from endosomal compartments that might include shedding of microvesicles and exosomes. It is worth mentioning that exosomes additionally to lipids and proteins contain mRNA and miRNA, the later seems to be important modulators of cell-to-cell communication.

The aim of this project is to elaborate effective method to isolate miRNAs and assess their content in the uterine exosomes/microvesicles form pregnant animals as well as profile miRNAs that can participate in the embryo-maternal communication at early stages of pregnancy. Next research tasks are focused on in vitro investigation of auto-/juxta-/paracrine functions of selected miRNAs in endometrial as well as trophoblast cells.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct research projects individually and in collaboration with other members of team.
• Analyze and interpret research findings and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Contribute to the preparation of annual progress reports and final report.
• Produce high-quality research outputs for publication in monographs or recognized high-quality journals.
• Develop research objectives and grant proposals for own or joint research, at acceptable levels.
• Contribute to providing regular information on the research advancement and presentation of the research data in research group meetings and relevant symposia/conferences.
• Maintenance of a laboratory notebook of a high standard, so as to allow publication of data.

Potential candidates are strongly encouraged to make informal contact with Dr. Monika M. Kaczmarek (m.kaczmarek@pan.olsztyn.pl) before application.

Project type: OPUS NCN – NZ9

Closing date for applications: December 31, 2015 (The institute reserves the right to extend the deadline for submission in the absence of candidates meeting above mentioned criteria)

Interviews will be held on: January 2016

Additional information:

Applicants should provide the following documents:

• motivation letter incl. description of applicant’s’ scientific interests,
• curriculum vitae incl. a list of publications and expertise,
• a copy of Ph.D. diploma,
• at least two reference letter from independent researchers (PIs),
• contact details,
• statement: I hereby authorize you to process my personal data included in my job application for the needs of the recruitment process in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act dated 29.08.1997 (uniform text: Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland 2002 No 101, item 926 with further amendments).

Applications in English or in Polish should be sent to:

Joanna Papurzynska ( j.papurzynska@pan.olsztyn.pl)
Instytut Rozrodu Zwierząt i Badań Żywności PAN,
ul. Tuwima 10
10-747 Olsztyn

Note: NCN – postdoc miRNA