Post-doctoral Research Associate in the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology

 

Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences

is seeking a candidate for a position of

 Post-doctoral Research Associate

 Recruitment is related to the project “The role of neutrophil serine proteases in the regulation of function of the podocyte and glomerular filtration barrier.”
OPUS no. 2021/41/B/NZ4/02797 funded by National Science Centre, Poland, carried out in the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology MMRI PAS.

City: Gdańsk                                                                                               
Scientific discipline: medical sciences
Announcement date: 08th February 2024
Application deadline: 15th February 2024
Link to the website: www.imdik.pan.pl

Keywords: post-doc, podocyte, insulin resistance, diabetes, albuminuria, gasdermin D, elastase, proteinase 3, cathepsin C, pyroptosis

The area of the research in which the candidate would participate:

      Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetic kidney disease. However, our knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of this form of nephropathy is still very limited. Disturbance of podocytes function has a central role in the development of proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, it has been known that increased activity of proteolytic enzymes promotes injury to the renal filtration barrier and renal dysfunction. The principal goal of this project is to define the role of neutrophil serine proteases in the development of pathological changes in the renal filtration barrier observed in diabetes, which eventually lead to diabetic nephropathy and kidney failure.

     The research project is divided into two parts: in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo study, we will use ZDSD rat model and knockout CTSC-/- mouse model. Model ZDSD displays type 2 diabetes progression similar to the human disease – prediabetes (8-16 weeks of age), through overt diabetes (>16 weeks of age), to diabetic complications (24 weeks of age). In experiments in vitro, we will use kidney glomeruli and podocytes isolated from Wistar rats and immortalized lines of podocytes (mice and human). The functional, biochemical and molecular studies will aim to determine the role of serine proteases in regulation of function and structure of the podocyte in diabetes.

Description of duties:

  • Planning and implementation of research tasks in accordance with the schedule of the project,
  • Designing and conducting experiments with the use of biochemistry and molecular biology,
  • Analysis of obtained data,
  • Presenting the results at the group meetings, external seminars and scientific conferences,
  • Preparation of scientific publications.

Necessary Requirements:

  • PhD degree in biological sciences, pharmacological sciences, medical sciences, chemical sciences or relevant,
  • Documented scientific achievements including publications in journals from JCR list,
  • Participation in scientific conferences and internships,
  • Experience in laboratory techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology,
  • Working knowledge of statistical software (e.g. GraphPad Prism),
  • Ability to work in a team and independently,
  • Excellent knowledge of English, allowing effective communication and preparation of scientific manuscripts,
  • Indication of Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences as a first place of employment.

Desirable Requirements:

  • Experience in work with animal models (relevant certificates or trainings),
  • Experience in substantive care for students and junior scientists.

We offer:

  • Fixed-term employment contract, full-time replacement,
  • Contract period: 01st Marth 2024 – 31st August 2024,
  • Gross salary: around 7800 PLN / month,
  • The opportunity to work in a pleased atmosphere, in a dynamic, developmental research group,
  • Opportunity to participate and present obtained results at international conferences.

Required documents:

  • Motivation letter with description of candidate’s scientific interests, scientific work, scientific independency, participation in research grants,
  • CV listing candidate’s education, professional experience, scientific achievements, authored or co-authored publications and conference abstracts, internships and training,
  • Copy of the PhD (or equivalent) diploma.

How to Apply:

The Application should be addressed to the Director of Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences.

Please send your documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. include the following job offer identification number in your application: PMKN.110.1.2024

For more information about the project, please contact dr hab. Agnieszka Piwkowska This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Expected date of the interview: 16th February 2024
Expected decision date: 19th February 2024
Expected job starting date: 01st March 2024

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