Post-doctoral researcher - Call for applications No. 13/2026/SN

Description

Offer Description: KEYWORDS: Selective neuronal vulnerability, Spinocerebellar ataxia, Neurodegeneration Purkinje cells, Chromatin organization, Epigenetic regulation, Transcriptional dysregulation, Nuclear architecture Principal Investigator: Pawel M. Switonski Research topic Chromatin dynamics of Purkinje cells as a determinant of neuronal vulnerability in ataxias I. Project description We offer a position as an assistant professor (post-doc) within the OPUS-29 project entitled: “Identifying changes in Purkinje cell chromatin dynamics as novel drivers of neuronal vulnerability in spinocerebellar ataxias” Neurodegenerative diseases often show striking cell-type specificity, with selected neuronal populations degenerating despite widespread expression of disease-causing mutations. A prominent example is spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), in which degeneration of Purkinje cells leads to progressive motor dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms underlying this selective neuronal vulnerability remain poorly understood. This project aims to identify chromatin- and nucleus-centered mechanisms that drive Purkinje cell degeneration in SCA. Building on strong preliminary data, the project focuses on disease-associated alterations in chromatin organization, epigenetic regulation, nuclear architecture, and phase separation phenomena, and their consequences for transcriptional control. Using state-of-the-art epigenomic, imaging, and molecular approaches, the project seeks to establish whether chromatin dysfunction represents a unifying driver of Purkinje cell vulnerability across multiple ataxia models. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in executing and shaping advanced experimental strategies, integrating high-throughput epigenetic profiling with functional and cellular analyses. The position offers substantial scientific independence and opportunities to contribute intellectually to study design, data interpretation, and publication, within a collaborative and well-resourced research environment. Requirements: Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level PhD or equivalent Additional Information: Benefits The expected salary is approximately PLN 9 450 gross. II. Requirements for the candidates: The candidate should have: PhD degree in biology, biotechnology, neurobiology, or a related discipline. Solid understanding of chromatin biology, epigenetic regulation, and transcriptional mechanisms. Significant hands-on experience with cell and molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, nuclear fractionation, immunostaining, western blotting). Experience with epigenetic profiling methods and/or high-throughput sequencing technologies is highly desirable. Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and work independently. Proficiency in written and spoken English. Experience in bioinformatics and data analysis will be considered an asset. *According to NCN requirements, only individuals who obtained a doctoral degree no earlier than 12 years before the year of employment in the project may be admitted. This period may be extended by the time spent on long-term (over 90 days) documented sickness benefits or rehabilitation benefits due to incapacity for work. Additionally, the period may be extended by the number of months spent on leave for the care and upbringing of children, as specified under the Labor Code. For women, this period may also be increased by 18 months for each born or adopted child if this method of accounting for breaks in the scientific career is more advantageous. Furthermore, according to NCN requirements, individuals who obtained a doctoral degree at an institution other than the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, or those who earned the degree at ICHB PAN but completed a continuous, documented postdoctoral internship of at least 10 months at an institution other than the project-implementing entity and in a country different from where the doctoral degree

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Source: euraxess.ec.europa.eu