System Biology of Biochemical Signalling Lab
Institute of Fundamental Technological Research
Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw
Open competition for the PhD Student within the National Science Centre OPUS scientific project
„ Cell-to-cell heterogeneity of cross-wired cytokine signaling: filling the gaps between molecular origins and translational implications”
Project information:
Project leader: Michał Komorowski
Source of funding: National Science Centre
Implementing institution: Institute of Fundamental Technological Research Polish Academy of Sciences
Project title: Cell-to-cell heterogeneity of cross-wired cytokine signaling: filling the gaps between molecular origins and translational implications
Position: PhD Student
Project duration: until 2025-09-29
Deadline for applications: 2023-04-14
Project description:
In multicellular organisms like the human body, trillions of cells of multiple different cell types communicate with each other by releasing a thousand types of molecules. However, the functioning of biochemical signaling does not seem to comply with the principles of communication engineering. An engineer designing a
system would linearly connect sensors with receivers ensuring reproducible transmission. Cells, however, have many cross-wired signaling pathways (one sensor connected to many receivers and one receiver connected to many sensors) that produce highly variable signals.
How can cells function reliably with highly variable signaling?
What are the implications of variable cross-wired signaling for health and disease?
What is the explanation for such a “messy” architecture?
We are using a variety of experimental (e.g., high-throughput immunostaining and smRNA FISH, live microscopy imaging) and theoretical approaches (e.g., data analysis techniques and information theory) to address the above questions. Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD student with a background in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or related field to help us on the way.
For more information visit our website sysbiosig.org.
Expected qualifications:
- high motivation for scientific work at the interface between cell biology and quantitative modeling
- MSc or Engineering degree
- PhD student status in a doctoral school
- Experience in wet-lab work, particularly in maintaining cell cultures, immunostaining, and microscopy imaging
- fluent English
- ability to work in a team
We offer:
- exciting research tasks
- support in developing new skills
- PhD studentship of 3000PLN per month (until the end of the project - 25.09.2025)
- participation in international conferences and workshops
- support in application for additional funding and scholarships
- highly creative, innovative and friendly work environment
- international collaborations
Conditions for granting scholarships and full-time employment in the project:
https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2019/uchwala25_2019-zal1.pdf
https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2021/uchwala12_2021-zal1_ang.pdf
Responsibilities:
- development and execution of high-throughput experiments aimed at uncovering sources, consequences and functionalities of cell-to-cell heterogeneity of signaling responses
- close collaboration with quantitative scientists
How to apply?
Email CV, a letter of motivation and two contacts for references.
Please include in your CV the following clause: "I agree to the processing of personal data contained in my job offer for the needs necessary to carry out the recruitment process conducted by IPPT PAN with headquarters in Warsaw, ul. A. Pawińskiego 5B, according to art. 13 para. 1 and 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data and the repeal of Directive 95/46 / EC (RODO).
Contact: Dr Michał Komorowski (Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.)