Maternal obesity and epigenetic and metabolic regulations during gametogenesis and early embryo development in mice: the specific role of leptin signalling
Job Title – Post-doctoral research associate
Employer – Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Olsztyn, Poland
Job Description – The Lab of Dr Antonio Galvao is recruiting an experienced molecular biologist to integrate the research programme on ovarian function in mouse models for maternal obesity. The escalating epidemic of overweight and obesity is a major burden for our health systems. Obesity leads to long-term health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or infertility. In the lab we use mouse models and/or in vitro systems of ovarian/follicular culture to study the impact of maternal obesity in ovarian function and oocyte biology. The project investigates particularly the impact of altered leptin signalling in the ovary, a major feature of obese mothers, on the establishment of oocyte epigenome and metabolic regulations in both gamete and surrounding granulosa cells throughout folliculogenesis. The present research programme benefits from the close collaboration with the Laboratory of Dr Gavin Kelsey, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK, a world leader in single cell transcriptome and methylome analysis. The appointed scientist will be responsible for undertaking the in vivo and in vitro experiments, molecular analysis of collected material, transcriptome and lipidome datasets analysis and data interpretation.
The work will be wet-lab based mainly, with potential involvement in data analysis and reporting.
This work will lead to important advances in our understanding of the impact of altered leptin signalling in oocyte epigenome establishment, profiling also metabolic and gene expression changes in granulosa cells and other underlying mechanisms.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Carrying out high quality research,
- Lead own research programme,
- Working with colleagues on related projects,
- Training more junior lab members,
- Written and oral presentation of work,
- High motivation to write scientific manuscripts.
Person specification: Essential
- Ph.D. in Molecular biology or related discipline,
- Strong expertise in cell signalling studies,
- Experience with in vitro (biochemical and cell-based assays) and in vivo systems,
- Validation of targets using mouse genetics,
- Strong expertise in oocyte and embryo manipulation,
- Working knowledge of epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses,
- Able to understand and communicate fluently in English,
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team,
- Excellent organisational skills, with good time management,
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with staff at all levels,
- Proactive, motivated, showing initiative to move projects forward,
- Ability to make independent decisions and solve routine problems.
The post is initially available for 36 months, with the salary of 83 000 – 100 000 PLN / year (before taxes/brutto), based on experience. Applications will be accepted until 6th of December 2021 and interviews will be held soon after.
Documents to present with the application:
- Cover letter highlighting the suitability of the candidate to the post (max 2 pages),
- CV (max 6 pages),
- Two contact references (one of letters must be from the last supervisor/line manager),
- Application address: a.galvao@pan.olsztyn.pl
For informal questions about the post please contact Dr Galvao (a.galvao@pan.olsztyn.pl).
For more information, please consult: www.pan.olsztyn.pl.
Please include the following statement in your application documentation (CV preferably):
„I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data included in the application documentation by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Tuwima 10,
10-748 Olsztyn, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process”.
Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. Full information available here.
