Postdoctoral Position - Department of Genetics, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing - Warsaw, Poland

The Department of Genetics at the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing in Warsaw is seeking a candidate for a post-doctoral research assistant position in the framework of SONATA BIS6 project „Integrating whole genome sequencing and zebrafish functional studies to uncover new molecular basis of autosomal dominant hearing loss” funded by the National Science Center, Poland.

Research objectives:

Autosomal dominant hearing loss (ADHL) is the second most common form of hereditary hearing loss (HL) and detection rate of causative mutation reaches approximately 65%. This suggests that performing extensive genetic testing, based on high-throughput DNA sequencing on families with ADHL may lead to a discovery of novel disease genes. To determine the function of the newly identified genes/alleles in the development of the auditory organ we will use a zebrafish model system, which is a valuable animal model for studying development and function of the vertebrate inner ear. We will analyze hearing defects by investigating the morphology of the auditory system and use a range of behavioral studies testing the hearing responses and balance dependent on function of the hearing apparatus. The main purpose of the project is to detect novel molecular basis of ADHL and to implement the zebrafish animal model to dissect the underlying mechanism of action of the newly discovered genes and alleles. 

Requirements:

  1. PhD degree in biological, medical or other related fields obtained not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project 
  2. experience in laboratory work in the field of genetics and molecular biology; experience in animal studies, in particular on the zebrafish model is highly desirable
  3. scientific achievements documented by publications in international journals from the JRC list
  4. high motivation for scientific work documented by scientific activities, e.g. participation in conferences, courses, obtained scholarships, grants, patents, awards, distinctions, participation in scientific exchange with other institutions
  5. proficiency in English (spoken and written)
  6. ability to present research results
  7. conscientiousness, accuracy and good organizational skills
  8. communicativeness and ability to work in a team


Candidate responsibilities:

Person employed at this position will conduct research tasks of the SONATA BIS6 project No. 2016/22/E/NZ5/00470 entitled "Integrating whole genome sequencing and zebrafish functional studies to uncover new molecular basis of autosomal dominant hearing loss". As part of the project, the post-doc will be required to thoroughly analyze the literature and data available in different databases, carry out next-generation sequencing (NGS) and functional experiments on a zebrafish model. The post-doc will be also obliged to analyze and present the results and prepare scientific papers.


Appointment terms:

• Full-time; time-definite employment (38 months)

• Gross salary 5900 PLN/month;

• Application deadline is September 21, 2018.


Application should contain:

  1. motivation letter with description of scientific interests
  2. CV with a list of scientific, didactic and organizational achievements (publications, conferences, workshops, etc.)
  3. copies of a PhD degree diploma and higher education diploma
  4. at least one recommendation letter 
  5. statement of consent to the processing of personal data: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing in Warsaw, 10 M. Mochnackiego Str., 02-042 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process”

  

Modes of submitting applications:

Application documents should be sent by regular mail to the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, 10 M. Mochnackiego Street; 02-042 Warsaw, Poland. Please label your application with the following headword: “Competition for a post-doc position at the Department of Genetics IFPS". Documents should include the applicant’s name, mailing address and telephone number. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Applications will be evaluated by the recruitment committee headed by the project principal investigator – Monika Ołdak MD, PhD. Only selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

Questions regarding the recruitment process should be directed to: m.oldak@ifps.org.pl