Stipend for PhD student in the Department of Microbiology. The application deadline is June 29th, 2023.

Project title: The role of histone-modifying enzymes in the epigenetics and pathogenesis of periodontitis

Institution: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow

Type of contract: stipend

Period of stipend agreement: 36 months (with possible extension for additional 12 months)

Stipend amount: 3 500 PLN/month (plus Graduate School stipend ~2000 PLN/month, non-taxable)

Application deadline: 29 June 2023

Job description: We offer participation in a dynamic, young research team involved in competitive and advanced biomedical research, and PhD programme at a leading Polish university. Work will be carried out in a well-funded research laboratory using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. The aim of this project, supported by the National Science Centre Opus grant, is to characterize pathological dysregulation of histone-modifying enzymes in periodontitis, identify their underlying mechanisms and determine if posttranslational histone modifications can be potential novel therapeutic targets. Our experimental strategy is based on a combination of analyses of gingival tissue specimens from patients with periodontitis with in vitro studies of gingival fibroblasts and macrophages infected with oral pathogens. Novel technologies, such as RNA-Seq and 3D tissue model, in combination with functional and mechanistic studies, will be used in this project. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Aleksander Grabiec (project leader) and Prof. Jan Potempa (head of the Department).

Profile of candidates/requirements:

1. MSc degree (or equivalent) in biotechnology, biochemistry or any related field of life sciences (or anticipated completion of MSc studies prior to UJ Life Science Graduate School entrance exams – admission to the Graduate School will be required for employment in the project).
2. Strong experience in eukaryotic cell culture and in basic cell biology techniques (ELISA, Western Blot, qPCR) evidenced by results presented in MSc thesis or publication.
3. Experience in epigenetic methods and/or omics data analysis (in particular, RNA-Seq) preferred but not required.
4. Fluency in written and spoken English.
5. Good skills in work organization, planning, team work and keeping experimental track record.
6. High level of independence and reliability, willingness to work outside of standard office hours.

Required documents:

1. Application/motivation letter.
2. CV including description of experience in laboratory work.
3. Copy of a MSc degree.
4. A statement of knowledge and acceptance of the rules on intellectual property and legal protection of intellectual property. Forms can be downloaded from http://www.dso.uj.edu.pl/druki-do-pobrania/dokumenty-dla-kandydatow-pracownikow.
5. Contact information of at least one reference.
6. Please include the following statement in your offer: “I hereby give consent for my personal data included in my application to be processed for the purposes of the recruitment process under the Personal Data Protection Act as of 29 August 1997, consolidated text: Journal of Laws 2016, item 922 as amended.’’ 

Please submit your application to (or contact with any questions): aleksander.grabiec@uj.edu.pl