en_GB – Strona 26 – Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of PAS

Call for Applications: assistant professor in the Molecular Biology of Reproduction Group

The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn announces a competition for the position of:

Assistant professor (post- doc position)

in the Molecular Biology of Reproduction Team, in the research project: „Three-dimensional in vitro endometrial model for studying hypoxia-induced changes and maternal-embryonic interactions” financed by the National Science Centre (OPUS 28)

Description of tasks:

developing a realistic three-dimensional model of the uterine mucosa, which will enable analysis of the influence of signals from the embryo on the molecular processes occurring during embryo implantation,
investigating whether the embryo, as well as hypoxic conditions, can induce changes in the transcriptome of various endometrial cells and in the composition of proteins secreted by endometrial and trophoblast cells (secretome),
planning and carrying out experiments, laboratory and statistical analyses, interpretation of obtained results, preparation of presentations and scientific communications, writing scientific publications on the conducted research.

Conditions of employment :

employment type: fixed-term full-time employment contract,
planned employment period: 36 months,
a salary of approximately PLN 9,700 gross per month,
place of work: ul. Trylińskiego 18, Olsztyn, Poland,
start date: August 2025 (negotiable).

Information about working conditions and career development prospects:

The implementation of the above tasks will significantly enhance the candidate’s scientific expertise in researching mechanisms and factors underlying successful pregnancy development in mammals. The position offers substantial opportunities to develop skills in 3D in vitro culture methods and molecular biology techniques, with a particular focus on transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenetics.

We offer:

stable employment in a renowned scientific institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
research-focused position with no teaching obligations,
opportunities for professional development, including international collaboration and training in molecular biology techniques,
friendly work atmosphere and support of an experienced team,
access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure,
employee benefits, including co-financing of Multisport card activities via the Company Social Benefits Fund.

Qualification requirements:

a PhD in biological or related sciences (awarded no earlier than 12 years before the year of employment in the project, with possible extensions for long-term medical leave or parental/caregiving absences),
good knowledge of the biology of animal reproduction, documented by own research (in the form of a doctoral thesis, publications from the JRC list and presentations at scientific conferences),
scientific achievements expressed as co-authorship in scientific publications indexed in the Journal Citation Reports ; including first author in at least 2 publications in journals indexed in JRC,
experience, confirmed by scientific achievements, in the use of molecular biology methods (including the study of the global gene expression profile, RNA and DNA isolation, Real Time PCR, Western Blot ), proteomic analyses , microscopic techniques (immunohistochemistry , immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy), and hormone determination using ELISA,
ability to independently plan and conduct in vitro experiments, especially involving primary reproductive tissue and cell cultures,
preferred: Experience in isolation and culture of porcine endometrial primary cells (luminal epithelial, stromal), trophoblast cells and/or in vitro 3D cell cultures and/or spatial transcriptomics analysis,
proficiency in software tools used for transcriptomic and proteomic data analysis,
research internship abroad in a scientific institution,
participation in at least one externally funded research project,
very good command of English, sufficient for effective communication, preparation of scientific publications, and presentations at international conferences.

Further eligibility criteria are outlined on the NCN website – OPUS 28 regulations, Annex to Resolution No. 84/2024 of the NCN Council of 5 September 2024.

Required documents:

copy of the PhD diploma,
academic CV including: (1) education, (2) research achievements including publications and conference communications, (3) accomplishments from scientific research, fellowships, awards, scientific experience, workshops and/or training, participation in research projects, and (4) a list of laboratory techniques used,
motivation letter,
reference letter from the PhD supervisor and/or current employer confirming relevant skills,
document confirming a research internship abroad,
summary of the PhD thesis,
other documents relevant for application assessment.

Application deadline and submission:

Please send your application via email to: a.waclawik@pan.olsztyn.pl (Subject line: “Application for Assistant Professor position in OPUS-28 project”).

The application deadline is July 16, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon, CET).

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

The results will be published on the Institute’s website.

In the submitted documents, please include a clause of consent to the processing of personal data by us in the recruitment process:

„I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn 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.

Information clause:

The administrator of personal data processed as part of the recruitment process is the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn 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.

Job Advertisement – Specialist or Senior Specialist

The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, is seeking a Specialist or Senior Specialist to join the Molecular Biology od Reproduction Team. The successful candidate will act, supporting both research activities and day-to-day lab operations.

Key Responsibilities:

actively participate in ongoing research projects,
coordinate and perform experiments in vitro,
conduct laboratory analyses, including DNA, RNA, and protein isolation and quantification, microscopy and immunohistochemistry analyses, hormone assays,
collecting samples from animals,
oversee laboratory logistics: inventory management, ordering supplies, keeping current documentation, liaising with administration.

Role in the Research Team:

The successful candidate will provide key technical and organizational support for the team, including implementation of designated experimental stages and coordination of selected research tasks. The position requires close cooperation with other researchers and maintaining smooth laboratory operations.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

university degree (MSc or PhD) in life sciences (e.g., biology, biotechnology, or related field),
hands-on experience in at least one of the following: molecular biology, animal and human reproduction, isolation and culture of primary cells in vitro, in vivo experiments,
excellent English proficiency (reading scientific literature, communication, documentation),
ability to document and report research results clearly,
responsibility, independence, diligence and precision in completing assigned duties out assigned tasks,
team spirit and excellent interpersonal skills.

Highly appreciated:

previous experience in laboratory work,
hands on experience of trancriptomics and bioinformatics methods.

What We Offer:

stable employment at a leading research institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
opportunities for professional development, including participation in trainings on molecular biology methods,
possibility for professional development in the field of reproductive biology, endocrinology, and epigenetics,
a supportive, collaborative, and friendly working environment,
access to modern laboratory infrastructure,
optional involvement in scientific publications or project writing (depending on experience),
Benefits from the Company Social Benefits Fund (e.g. Multisport).

Terms of Employment:

full-time employment,
salary: depending on experience and qualifications,
expected start date: August 2025.

Required Application Documents:

cover letter,
curriculum vitae (CV),
copy of academic diploma (MSc or PhD),
references or opinion of MSc or PhD promoter,
any other documents relevant to the application.

Deadline and place for submitting documents:

Documents application you should to be submitted by 28 July 2025 at the latest address e-mail: m.cieslik@pan.olsztyn.pl (in the title: specialist/senior specialist at MBR team). Additional information: a.waclawik@pan.olsztyn.pl.

After making analysis submitted applications, we will contact you with the chosen ones candidates the purpose to carry out further stages process recruitment.

The Institute reserves the right to end the recruitment process prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate is selected.

Please include the following in your CV: clause consent on processing By us data personal data in the process recruitment:

„I express consent on processing my data personal contained in the documents application By Institute Reproduction Animals and Research Food PAN in Olsztyn with headquarters at 10-683 Olsztyn, ul. Trylińskiego 18, for the purpose of implementation process recruitment”.

Administrator data personal processed within the framework of process recruitment is the Institute Reproduction Animals and Research Food PAN in Olsztyn, with headquarters at 10-683 Olsztyn, ul. Trylińskiego 18, tel. 89 523 46 86, e-mail: institute@pan.olsztyn.pl.

Contact with inspector protection data personal data is available at: iodo@pan.olsztyn.pl.

Given data personal processed they will be in order implementation present process recruitment and stored until his endings on the basis of expressed consent (pursuant to Article 6 paragraph 1 letter a of the GDPR).

The person whose data they concern is entitled to the right to withdraw consent at any time moment without influence on legality processing, which was done on the basis of consent Before her revocation.

The person you data they concern is entitled to law access to your data personal data, request their rectification or removal. Submission tasks removal data is equivalent to resigning from participating in the process this recruitment. In addition is entitled to her the right to demand limitations processing in cases specified in Article 18 of the GDPR.

The person whose data they concern, they are entitled to the right to bring complaints to the president Office Protection Data Personal on illegal processing her data personal data. This body will be appropriate for consideration complaints about that law Bringing Complaints refers to only legal compliance processing data personal, no refers to and course recruitment.

Data shared NO they will be were subject to profiling or sharing entities Whether to the countries third. Recipients data they can to be institutions authorized by virtue of laws.

Pass data contained in the documents recruitment it is not obligatory, but it is a condition necessary to participate in the process recruitment.

Dr. Taisiia Yurchuk Awarded Prestigious Fellowship

Dr. Taisiia Yurchuk has been awarded a postdoctoral fellowship under the MSCA4Ukraine program for her project on reconstructing cumulus-oocyte complexes after cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. The research aims to protect the biodiversity of species from the Bovidae family (which includes cattle) and to develop methods for preserving human fertility.

The project was selected through an exceptionally competitive call led by the MSCA4Ukraine Consortium – an initiative by the European Commission created in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The program is part of the “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions” carried out within the Horizon Europe framework.

In the second call for MSCA4Ukraine, over 500 applications were submitted, of which only 47 postdoctoral researchers and 2 doctoral candidates received funding. Dr. Yurchuk’s research stood out for its scientific excellence and its potential impact on biodiversity conservation and human reproductive health.

The 24-month project began on June 1, 2025, and is being carried out at our Institute in Olsztyn. Its goal is to develop techniques for reconstructing cumulus-oocyte complexes after cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. This innovative approach is highly significant both for protecting endangered species of the Bovidae family and for improving fertility preservation methods in human medicine.

This award is part of the broader MSCA4Ukraine initiative supporting researchers displaced by the war in Ukraine, enabling them to continue their scientific work in EU member states and countries associated with Horizon Europe. The program also emphasizes maintaining strong academic ties with their home institutions in Ukraine, thereby strengthening the resilience of the Ukrainian scientific community.

We warmly welcome Dr. Yurchuk to our team and look forward to the results of her work.

Interdisciplinary Seminar with Professor Berthold Koletzko

The Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology, and Child Nutrition at the Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, together with the Warmian-Masurian Medical Chamber and the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, have the honour to invite you to an Interdisciplinary Open Seminar.

The special guest of the event will be Professor Berthold Koletzko, Senior Professor of Paediatrics at the Department of Paediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Professor Koletzko will deliver two lectures:

Human brain development – nature and nurture
Nutrition in pregnancy – does it matter?

Professor Koletzko’s main research interests focus on the impact of metabolic and nutritional factors on child health and the prevention of diseases in the paediatric population.

The seminar will take place on Thursday, June 12th at 12:00 PM in the Jan Rymian Conference Hall (ground floor) of the Warmian-Masurian Medical Chamber, ul. Żołnierska 16c, Olsztyn.

Participation is free of charge.

Please confirm your attendance by completing the registration form.

You can learn more about Professor Berthold Koletzko by clicking here.

WE Lead Food Workshops – Women Driving Change in the Food Sector

Participants of the fourth edition of the EIT Food WE Lead Food Poland workshops came together to discuss transformations in the food sector and the growing impact of women in shaping these changes. The event gathered female leaders who are driving scientific research, launching startups, running businesses, implementing educational projects, and shaping new policy strategies in the agri-food industry.

The workshops took place on May 28 in the welcoming spaces of the French Embassy in Warsaw. The goal is to build a nationwide community of female experts who support each other and work together towards a healthy, safe, and sustainable food sector.

It was a day full of inspiring meetings, keynote speeches, and insightful conversations about the key challenges facing the food system — not only in Poland but globally. This year’s edition brought together over 40 women leaders.

The event was officially opened by the French Ambassador to Poland, Etienne de Poncins, who welcomed participants and emphasized the alignment of the event with French policy promoting women’s empowerment.
– We strongly believe that women’s empowerment is a transformative force for more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable agriculture. That is what we aim to support here – by bringing together female leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers from the agri-food sector.”

The WE Lead Food workshops are held in several European countries. In Poland, the event is organized by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

– As an Institute, we are proud to once again host this outstanding initiative, designed to empower women on their path to success – to serve as a springboard for achieving their goals in science and business – said Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek, Director of the Institute. „I myself participated in the very first edition of these workshops and I’m convinced they will bring tremendous value to all the women gathered here.

A key part of the program was the Inspiration Session, featuring female leaders managing with a focus on responsibility and development: Tatiana Frémond (restaurateur and entrepreneur), Dr. Eng. Katarzyna Pala (CEO of startup Future4Food Technologies), and Renata Krysiak (CEO of startup VegeLIO). The panel inspired fellow participants by sharing their journeys, challenges, and paths to success.

The session was moderated by Iwona Kieda from the Institute in Olsztyn, WE Lead Food Project Coordinator in Poland, – We’ve looked at your work and see you as true leaders in your fields. You think forward, influence others, motivate them, and are focused on future generations. These are exactly the kinds of open and creative minds the modern food sector needs,” she noted.

Another key element was the Leadership Development Session, led by coaches Marzena Radzka-Wiśniewska and Lidia Willan. Participants learned how to set and achieve professional goals.

In an online appearance, Shima Barakat – founder and European coordinator of WE Lead Food emphasized – We know our food system is not as good as it could be. It can be healthier, more sustainable. And women are not the problem – women are creating the solutions. WE Lead Food backs female leaders to shake the system and build a more sustainable food model.”

The day concluded with a networking session and presentations of startups founded by women. Kamila Knap and Agnieszka Lepka, founders of Shroom, showcased their functional wellness beverages made from mushroom and plant extracts. Daria Latała, founder of Kombucha Baddi, also presented her health-focused drink brand.

What did the participants – leaders, organizers, and experts, have to say?

Agnieszka Jankowska, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

– The Ministry supports initiatives that network women, develop female farmers, and help them acquire knowledge and introduce innovation in their farms. That’s why such workshops are incredibly valuable – they offer knowledge, skill-building, and the chance to expand your network.

Bożena Bochenek, Agricultural Attaché, French Embassy

– The Embassy strongly supports empowering women in cultural, social, and economic life. What’s fantastic about WE Lead Food is how it brings together women across the agri-food spectrum – scientists, startup founders, restaurateurs, farmers. And it includes diplomacy too. We, as female diplomats, strive to connect and support.

Aleksandra Okońska-Jaruga, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute

– An incredibly inspiring event that shows there are no limits to what women can achieve – not only in science but also in the kinds of mutually beneficial relationships they can create with business.

Kamila Knap, startup Shroom

– Such initiatives are vital to developing the food startup ecosystem in Poland, which is still growing. There are still too few women in agri-food business. Let’s connect, let’s meet -who knows what great projects may come out of it!.

Agnieszka Tokarz, Nice to Fit You

– I came here for motivation and the support we women often lack. I want to surround myself with the strength of women. I loved the expert panel – I heard about struggles we all face as women. Together, we can support each other.

Marta Kaczmarek, EIT

– For the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, gender mainstreaming is crucial – not just in food. We strive to ensure women leaders have the skills and visibility to showcase their achievements and thrive in the job market. That’s why the initiatives run by the Institute in Olsztyn are so vital.

Event Partners

Embassy of France in Poland, Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Agro Women Foundation.

The training is part of the #WELeadFood project, funded by EIT Food – the European Knowledge and Innovation Community in the field of food. Join the expert network and register now for the 8-week main program starting this autumn: SIGN UP

Over 9 million PLN from NCN for Researchers at our Institute

Four research projects led by female scientists from our Institute have received a total funding of PLN 9,492,259 as part of the OPUS 28 and SONATA 20 calls announced by the National Science Centre (NCN).

The grant recipients include:

Dr. Sylwia Judycka with the project: CRYO-LARVA: A multi-species exploration of molecular, developmental and transgenerational consequences of sperm cryoselection in fish larvae

Awarded funding: PLN 2,483,407

The aim of the project is to analyze the impact of sperm cryopreservation on larval development and identify potential transgenerational effects. The research will help understand how freezing sperm influences gene expression, phenotype, and inheritance in fish, which is important for both aquaculture and species conservation.

Prof. Agnieszka Wacławik, PhD, DSc – A three-dimensional in vitro endometrium model for studying hypoxia-induced changes and maternal-embryo interactions

Awarded funding: PLN 2,273,714

This research will replicate maternal-embryo interactions and the implantation process under laboratory conditions. The project aims to develop a realistic 3D endometrium model that enables analysis of hypoxia effects and trophoblast signaling during the earliest stages of life.

Dr. Katarzyna Piotrowska-Tomala, DVM – Can fibroblast senescence and resistance to apoptosis contribute to endometrial fibrosis in equine endometrosis?

Awarded funding: PLN 2,736,460

The project will examine whether aging fibroblasts and their resistance to apoptosis affect the development of endometrial fibrosis. The results may contribute to new anti-fibrotic therapies, relevant not only in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Karolina Wołodko, EngD – Delayed embryonic development in obese mothers: the link between leptin and mTOR signaling pathways

Awarded funding: PLN 1,998,678

This research focuses on the relationship between leptin levels, mTOR pathway activity, and the pace of embryo development. The aim is to understand how obesity affects fertility and embryo quality and to explore potential ways to support embryo development through IGF1.

Read more about the projects here.

We congratulate our researchers and wish them success in carrying out their projects!

Starting in September, students of the biology-chemistry class at the Adam Mickiewicz 1st High School in Olsztyn will be expanding their knowledge under the guidance of scientists from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, as part of a newly established patronage class. On Tuesday, May 20, the directors of both institutions – Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek and Mr. Wojciech Boryszewski – officially signed the cooperation agreement.

This is the first high school class under the patronage of our Institute. Through this collaboration, students will participate in additional educational activities, workshops, lectures, and meetings with scientists. The Institute will open its laboratories to the students, provide access to educational platforms, and organize study visits.

As emphasized by Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek, Director of the Institute, our goal is to promote science and inspire young people to explore and pursue their own passions. We aim to spark scientific curiosity in them – the beginning of every journey toward understanding the world. By showing the behind-the-scenes of our research, we want to encourage students to ask questions and seek answers – even the most difficult ones. Among them may be future scientists – or perhaps simply conscious, responsible citizens who understand how to collaborate with the scientific community.

School Principal Wojciech Boryszewski highlighted the many benefits this cooperation will bring to the school. Students in the biology-chemistry class will be able to expand their school-acquired knowledge through practical activities under the supervision of experts, in modern, well-equipped laboratories. The planned initiatives will be an exciting complement to traditional school education and will support students in better mastering the curriculum. Moreover, students will gain insight into the realities of scientific work, which may help them in choosing their future career paths.

Importantly, the Institute’s researchers will also support teachers in enriching the biology and chemistry curriculum with up-to-date research topics and modern teaching methods.

The aim of the patronage is to support students in developing their interests and deepening their knowledge in the natural sciences, while also helping them make informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.

The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn is a leading scientific institution in Poland, holding the highest scientific category – A+. Our research focuses on the essence of life – food, animal and human reproduction, and health.

The Adam Mickiewicz 1st High School in Olsztyn is a renowned secondary school, known for its high academic standards, numerous student achievements in subject competitions, and rich educational tradition. This year, the school celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Job Advertisement – Maternity Leave Cover (Specialist or Senior Specialist)

The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, is seeking a Specialist or Senior Specialist (maternity/parental leave cover) to join the Programming of Fertility and Developmental Team. The successful candidate will act, supporting both research activities and day-to-day lab operations.