Assistant (post-doc) (M/F/X)” in the Lab. of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences

The aim of the competition is to select a candidate for the position of “assistant (post-doc) (M/F/X)” in the Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences (IP PAS
or Institute), to conduct research as part of the National Science Centre’s grant OPUS 28,
No. UMO-2024/55/B/NZ7/02215, for the project entitled “Positioning the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a new target for pharmacotherapy of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease: verification of the neuroprotective efficacy of a selective receptor modulator in mouse and human models of the disease“.

Description of research topic:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia and other cognitive disorders such as aphasia and apraxia. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, with AD accounting for 60-70% of all cases. Unlike familial (hereditary) AD, which has relatively early onset of symptoms, sporadic AD has late onset of symptoms and accounts for more than 95% of all cases. This project addresses the two major challenges related to AD, which are: determining the etiology in the majority of cases i.e., sporadic AD, and discovering disease-modifying and/or curative drugs. First, based on epidemiological and experimental data, including from our studies, as well as transcriptome-wide association studies, we came to the conclusion that positions the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as an important factor in the etiology of sporadic AD, which represents a novel therapeutic target against AD. Second, we hypothesized that downregulation of AhR signaling would result in a therapeutic effect in murine and human models of sporadic AD. Third, we proposed a novel therapeutic approach for sporadic AD, based on the use of a selective AhR modulator to downregulate AhR signaling and thereby protect neuronal cells and the entire brain from AD pathology. The breakthrough significance of the proposed research will be to demonstrate that selective attenuation of AhR signaling pathways leads to neuroprotection in experimental models of sporadic AD in vitro and in vivo.

A candidate for the position of “assistant (post-doc) (M/F/X)” in the Lab. of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology IP PAS should meet the following requirements:

1. A PhD in medical, biological or related sciences, obtained in the year of employment in the

project or within 12 years prior to January 1st of the year of employment in the project. This period may be extended by the duration of long-term (over 90 days) documented sickness benefits or rehabilitation benefits due to incapacity for work. Additionally, this period may be extended by the number of months spent on leave related to the care and upbringing of children granted under the terms of the Labor Code and in the case of women,

by 18 months for each born or adopted child, if this method of indicating career breaks is more favorable.

2. The candidate has obtained a doctoral degree from an entity other than the entity where employment for this position is planned or has completed at least 10 months of continuous and documented postdoctoral training at an entity other than the entity carrying out the project and in a country other than the country where the doctoral degree was obtained;
3. During the period of receiving remuneration for the aforementioned project, the candidate will not receive any other remuneration from funds allocated as direct costs of research projects financed under NCN (National Science Centre) competitions;
4. During the period of receiving remuneration for the aforementioned project, the candidate will not receive remuneration from another employer under an employment contract, including an employer based outside Poland;
5. During the period of receiving this remuneration, the candidate will not receive pension benefits from the social security system;
6. Scientific achievements documented by publications in international journals, including at least 2 original articles published after the doctorate, in which the candidate is the first author or equivalent;
7. Professional experience gained in a foreign research center;
8. Knowledge of issues related to the functioning of the central nervous system, especially the molecular basis of brain diseases;
9. Documented experience in implementing and/or managing grant projects;
10. Very good practical skills in performing molecular and biochemical analyses (including RT-qPCR, western blot, ELISA, Seahorse), as well as the use of immunofluorescence techniques and microscopic imaging;
11. Motivation to acquire new knowledge;
12. Ability to organize one’s own work to ensure the reliable performance of assigned tasks;
13. Fluent use of English language in writing and speaking;
14. Impeccable ethical attitude.

Additional advantage would be:

1. Proficiency in Polish in writing and speaking.

Responsibilities:

1. Development of research activities in the field of topics consistent with the scientific profile of the Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics;
2. Planning and performing experiments;
3. Processing of research results and proper archiving;
4. Strict adherence to the code of ethics of Polish Academy of Sciences employee;
5. Compliance with the regulations and directives operating in the IP PAS.

Employment conditions:

Employment in the project based on a full-time employment contract for a period of 6 to 24 months, with the possibility of extension for the duration of the project. Remuneration: PLN 140,000.00 gross gross / year. Source of funding: NCN OPUS 28 grant No. UMO-2024/55/B/NZ7/02215.

WE OFFER:

1. Employment based on an employment contract funded by a grant;
2. Task-based working system;
3. Research position offering opportunities for career development;
4. Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, equipment, and administrative project support.

Required documents:

1. Application for employment for the above-mentioned position, along with a cover letter and a description of scientific interests;
2. Information about the candidate in accordance with Appendix 1 to the Form;
3. Personal questionnaire for a person applying for employment in accordance with Appendix 2 to the Form;

4. Copy of doctoral diploma or certificate of obtaining a doctoral degree;
5. Short summary of professional experience;
6. Contact details of persons who can provide information about the candidate and who have consented to be contacted;
7. Certificate of English language proficiency, if available;
8. Statement on the primary place of employment and affiliation of research and publications, in accordance with Appendix No. 3 to the Form;
9. Information on the processing of personal data in accordance with Appendix 4 to the Form;
10. Declaration of impeccable ethical attitude in accordance with Appendix 5 to the Form.

Please send applications together with the required documentation in electronic form to the following e-mail address: ifpan@if-pan.krakow.pl by 4.02.2026.

In the title of the message, please indicate which competition the application concerns, i.e.: “Competition – Assistant (post-doc) (M/F/X) in the Lab. of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics IP PAS.”

The winner of the competition will be selected from among those meeting the formal requirements based on the analysis of documents and possible invited interviews.

Please be advised that we will contact only selected candidates and we will not return the submitted documents. We reserve the right to void the contest without giving any reason.

Competition announcement date:  16.01.2026

Deadline for submitting the offers:  4.02.2026

Competition settlement:  12.02.2026