InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences is seeking candidates for the position of:
Postdoctoral Researcher in the Fertility and Developmental Programming Research Group
Number of positions: 1
Researcher profile (R1–R4): R2
Type of call: NCN SONATA 19
Project: The effect of ketogenic diet on DNA methylation in rat oocytes and metabolic profile of its offspring
Principal Investigator: Piotr Kaczyński, Ph.D.
Project description
In recent decades, lifestyle changes, including reduced physical activity and unhealthy dietary habits, have led to an epidemic increase in overweight and obesity, affecting approximately 60% of adults and 30% of children in Europe. Overweight and obesity are among the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases and significantly contribute to fertility problems, which currently constitute one of the most serious health challenges. In response to this problem, various dietary interventions are being tested, including the ketogenic diet, based on carbohydrate restriction and increased fat intake, leading to a state of ketosis. Although the ketogenic diet is used both therapeutically and for weight loss, its long-term impact on health, including epigenetic mechanisms and reproductive processes, is not fully understood. The planned studies using an animal model will allow assessment of the impact of a ketogenic diet on metabolism, oocyte quality, epigenetic processes, and potential health consequences for offspring.
Requirements
- PhD degree in biological sciences or related disciplines (biological, medical, veterinary sciences). In the case of applicants who have obtained more than one doctoral degree, the reference date shall be the date of award of the first doctoral degree. This period may be extended by the duration of documented long-term sick leave (exceeding 90 days) or rehabilitation benefits due to incapacity for work. Furthermore, the period may be extended by the number of months spent on childcare- and child-rearing-related leave granted in accordance with the Labour Code. In addition, for women applicants, the period may alternatively be extended by 18 months for each child born or adopted, where this method of accounting for career breaks is more favourable;
- Scientific achievements documented by publications in journals indexed in the Web of Science database or equivalent;
- Research experience in reproductive biology and knowledge of reproductive physiology, molecular biology, and cell biology;
- Practical knowledge of basic laboratory methods/techniques used in biology and molecular biology (histological methods, microscopy, statistical analysis; experience in gene expression analyses using conventional and high-throughput approaches will be an additional asset);
- Ability to analyse and interpret obtained results;
- Very good command of English, both spoken and written, enabling communication and reading and writing scientific texts;
- Experience in working with rodents and in vitro cell culture (somatic cells, oocytes) will be an additional asset;
- High motivation for scientific work, accuracy, creativity, good communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team.
Scope of duties
The employed person will participate in the implementation of the project. The responsibilities will include conducting and documenting laboratory research carried out within the project, in particular:
- Conducting experiments involving animals;
- Collection and preservation of biological material from animals;
- Establishment and maintenance of in vitro cell cultures;
- Performing gene and protein expression analyses, including the use of omics tools, in cooperation with project partners;
- Coordination of orders for research materials and reagents;
- Performing analyses using molecular biology and microscopy techniques (e.g. RNA-seq, qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence);
- Processing and analysis of obtained results;
- Participation in the preparation of reports, drafting scientific manuscripts, and presenting research results at seminars, meetings, and national and international scientific conferences;
- Participation in internships and training related to the performed work.
Employment conditions
- Work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team;
- Friendly working atmosphere and support from an experienced team;
- Opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research with high translational potential;
- Access to advanced research infrastructure;
- Opportunities for professional development, participation in scientific conferences, and publications;
- Monthly salary: PLN 9500 – 9700 gross
Employment contract for 36 months. Expected start date of employment: 01.03.2026. Note: the employed person may not terminate the employment contract earlier than 6 months from the date of signing the contract.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including: contact details, education history, details of the doctoral dissertation (title, supervisor, degree-awarding institution, date of diploma), scientific achievements (publications, conference presentations, book chapters, monographs, books, etc.), awards and other achievements (scholarships, fellowships, training, participation in research projects, etc.). The CV should include a consent clause for GDPR purpose: „I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents by InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office 10-683 Olsztyn, ul.Trylińskiego 18, in order to carry out the recruitment process and publish the full competition results on the Institute’s website.”
- Motivation letter;
- Copy of the PhD diploma (or equivalent);
- Reference letters confirming qualifications and skills;
- Other documents that may be relevant for the evaluation of the application.
Application procedure and deadline
From among the submitted applications, the selection committee will choose candidates who will be invited for an interview. Interviews will be conducted at the Institute’s premises or online. Expected start date of employment: 1 March 2026.
Applications should be submitted by 20 February 2026 in electronic form (PDF files) to the following address: rekrutacja@pan.olsztyn.pl. Subject line: “Postdoctoral Researcher in the Fertility and Developmental Programming Research Group”.
Information clause:
- The administrator of personal data processed as part of the recruitment process is InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office at 10-683 Olsztyn, ul. Trylińskiego 18, tel. 89 500 32 00, e-mail: institute@pan.olsztyn.pl.
- Contact with the personal data protection officer is possible at: iodo@pan.olsztyn.pl.
- The provided personal data will be processed for the purpose of implementing the current recruitment process and stored until its completion based on the consent given (in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR).
- The data subject has the right to withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
- The data subject has the right to access his or her personal data, request its rectification or deletion. Submitting a request to delete data is tantamount to resigning from participation in the recruitment process. In addition, she has the right to request restriction of processing in the cases specified in Art. 18 GDPR.
- The data subject has the right to lodge a complaint with the President of the Personal Data Protection Office regarding unlawful processing of his or her personal data. This body will be competent to consider the complaint, however, the right to lodge a complaint only concerns the lawfulness of the processing of personal data and does not concern the recruitment process.
- The data provided will not be subject to profiling or made available to entities or third countries. The recipients of the data may be institutions authorized by law.
- Providing the data contained in the recruitment documents is not obligatory, but it is a necessary condition for participating in the recruitment process.
