Post-doctoral Researcher- Immune Memory & Cell Reprogramming Group

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Post-doctoral Researcher- Immune Memory & Cell Reprogramming Group

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Offer DescriptionWe are looking for a post-doc to work in the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS) hosted by the University of Gdańsk. The position is offered in the Immune Memory & Cell Reprogramming research group led by dr hab. Wojciech Siwek. The position is offered in the frame of the project “Mechanisms for Establishment of Transcriptional Memory”. The project is funded by the National Science Centre within the programme SONATA under grant agreement no. UMO-2022/47/D/NZ1/01883.About the projectThis project aims to discover novel epigenetic mechanisms by understanding cellular, molecular and structural aspects of initiation of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) transcriptional memory. Epigenetics is a process that describes a heritable phenotype resulting from changes in the cell without alterations in the DNA sequence. It is fundamental for multicellular life as it maintains gene expression during growth and in adulthood. Transcription factor feedback loops can sustain active gene expression but are not always required. This suggests that other processes are involved in preserving active transcription. Strikingly, such mechanisms are largely unknown. This knowledge gap comes from the fact that uncoupling transcription from maintenance of active states is difficult to achieve experimentally. Due to this reason the field of epigenetics is almost exclusively focused on studying the mechanisms responsible for sustained gene silencing. To uncouple transcription form maintenance, and gain access to novel epigenetic mechanisms, I am exploring a phenomenon present in innate immunity: transcriptional memory. During this process, cells primed with a certain cue will show increased rates of gene expression after restimulation many days later. In our previous work, we set up a robust transcriptional memory protocol using interferon gamma (IFNγ) stimulation. We discovered novel genes that show the effect and gained initial insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling initiation of the phenomenon. We discovered locally acting repressors and identified specific transcription factors involved in the establishment of transcriptional memory. Moreover, we showed that initiation of memory is not just a simple consequence of transcription as artificial activation of a memory gene does not lead to memory initiation. We are now in a unique position to understand this epigenetic problem in unprecedented detail. We have the necessary tools, expertise and preliminary data to uncover novel mechanisms of transcriptional memory. In this project, we want to understand how IFNγ transcriptional memory is initiated on a cellular, molecular and structural levels; generalize the discoveries to maintenance of active transcription and translate the knowledge to macrophage biology. We have four major aims: (1) determine what factors are required for establishment of transcriptional memory; (2) reconstitute the memory initiation complex in vitro; (3) generalize the discoveries to maintenance of active transcription in other cell types; and (4) translate the knowledge to maintenance of macrophage identity, in cell lines and primary cells. In summary, this project addresses a major knowledge gap and will lead to fundamental discoveries in epigenetics. It will bring about multidisciplinary training of future scientists. Insights from this research will uncover new avenues for manipulation of the innate immune system for the benefit of public health, with particular focus on macrophage based anti-cancer immunotherapies. This will pave the way for industrial collaboration and new jobs in the biotechnology sector.About the Research Group Immune Memory & Cell ReprogrammingThe Group aims to discover novel molecular mechanisms of gene regulation and epigenetics. The focus is on understanding how interferon-gamma mediated transcriptional memory is initiated, maintained and recalled; with the long-term goal to translate this research into the clinic.Research focus:Proper regulation of gene expression is fundamental for multicellular life. In my research, I am interested in how cells maintain gene expression states. I am exploring a phenomenon present in the innate immune system – transcriptional memory as a model system. Transcriptional memory is a process during which cells exposed to a certain cue (induction) will remember the experience and respond to the second stimulation with the same signal (reinduction) more strongly. I am studying how this process works in human cells.More information:Where to apply E-mailiccvs@ug.edu.plRequirementsResearch Field Biological sciences » Other Education Level PhD or equivalentSkills/Qualifications

• PhD degree in biotechnology/biology or similar discipline.
• Passionate about human molecular biology, mechanisms of gene expression, epigenetics and innate immunity. Goal oriented, kind, open-minded, team player, professional and well organized.
• Experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Experienced in writing scientific manuscripts.
• Good written, oral communication and presentation skills.
• Good knowledge of English.
• The candidate should be committed to working collaboratively within an inclusive and diverse multicultural environment.
• PhD degree obtained maximum 7 years before the year of employment in the project. It can be extended beyond 7 years for the following properly documented circumstances:

a) Maternity – 18 months extension for each child born before or after the date of the successful defense of their
PhD degree. If the applicant can document a longer total maternity leave, the eligibility period will be extended by the documented number of actual leave(s) for all children taken.
b) Paternity extension by the documented time of paternity leave taken for each child.
c) Long-term illness (
90 days): extension by the documented amount of leave. * PhD degree obtained in an entity other than University of Gdansk, or the candidate has completed a continuous and documented postdoctoral training of at least 10 months at an institution abroad.Specific RequirementsKey responsibilities include: * Actively conducting scientific research according to the project’s research programme.

• Presentation and discussion of ideas and results at ICCVS and at external events.
• Participation in training, protocol development, seminars, group meetings, and other activities of scientific exchange.

Languages ENGLISH Level GoodAdditional InformationBenefits

• Employment contract for up to 28 months (full time, “adjunct” position) with possibility of prolongation, after 3 months initial contract. Salary before tax & social insurance deductions approx. 8.700 PLN (gross). Additional yearly remuneration (so-called “13th salary”) if eligible and according to binding provisions at the University.
• Starting date to be discussed, as soon as possible.
• Friendly and inspiring working atmosphere.
• Presentation of work at international and national conferences.
• Scientific connections at Harvard and Oxford Universities.
• Possibility of co-financing additional training e.g. bioinformatics or postgraduate studies in management.
• While employed in this project, the candidate shall not receive remuneration coming from direct costs of other NCN research projects as well as from another employment contract, including an employer from outside Poland.
• In case of questions, you are encouraged to contact dr hab. Wojciech Siwek at

before submitting the application.Eligibility criteria

• The decision will be made by the Recruitment Committee (RC) established by the Vice-Rector of the University of Gdańsk and chaired by the Project Principal Investigator.
• An interview will be held (online or onsite).
• The RC reserves the right to invite only pre-selected candidates for the interview.
• The RC’s decision is final and is not subject to appeal.
• The RC reserves the right to close the competition without selecting a candidate.

Selection processHow to applyRequired documents: * Curriculum vitae with a list of publications and achievements;

• Motivation letter (including statement of current scientific interests) – up to 2 pages;
• References: contact details (name, affiliation, email) of two senior researchers who can be contacted for references.
• Declaration of the applicant that his work is not financed by other projects of the National Science Center.
• Signed statement on the GDPR information clause for this job offer – template provided here
• Scan of PhD diploma.

Documents referring to items 1-5 should be prepared in English and sent merged as ONE pdf file.Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Gdansk, International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science Country Poland State/Province Pomorskie City Gdańsk Postal Code 80-822 Street Kładki 24 GeofieldContact CityGdańsk WebsiteStreetBażyńskiego 8STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Gdańsk, pomorskie

Job date

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 23:33:00 GMT

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