Recruitment for the position of Assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X) at the Department of Neurochemistry IP PAS – full-time

Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as the Institute or IF PAN) announces the competition for an assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X) position at the Department of Neurochemistry IP PAS to carry out tasks in the NCN OPUS 28 project 2024/55/B/NZ7/02610 „Decoding the novel role of the histamine H3 receptor in opioid-induced analgesia and hyperalgesia: studies toward innovative therapies for chronic pain.”

Principal Investigator: Katarzyna Popiołek-Barczyk, PhD

We are looking for a candidate interested in conducting experimental research in neuropharmacology, with prior experience working with laboratory animals and performing experimental laboratory procedures.

The main responsibilities of the successful candidate will include conducting in vivo studies, including the administration of test compounds such as pitolisant and morphine, performing behavioural studies, collecting and processing biological samples, and carrying out subsequent biochemical and molecular analyses of the collected tissues.

An important aspect of the position will involve processing and analysing behavioural data obtained using animal phenotyping cages, as well as participating in the experimental validation of molecular targets identified based on proteomic analysis results.

What we offer:

1. The opportunity to work in a research team conducting studies in neuropharmacology, pain neurobiology and the mechanisms of action of histamine H₃ receptor and opioid receptor ligands.
2. The opportunity to participate in research combining in vivo pharmacology, experimental laboratory studies and advanced molecular, proteomic and electrophysiological analyses.
3. Collaboration with an experienced team of scientists and national and international research partners.
4. The opportunity to contribute to the preparation of scientific publications arising from the research conducted, with co-authorship reflecting the actual contribution to the execution and analysis of the studies.
5. Participation in national and international scientific conferences.
6. Opportunities for further professional development and enhancement of skills in experimental neuropharmacology, in vivo research and advanced methods for biological sample analysis.
7. Work in an interdisciplinary and supportive scientific environment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment under the project on a full-time basis, under an employment contract for a period of 18 months. Remuneration in accordance with the NCN OPUS 28 regulations (i.e. PLN 140,000.00 gross gross per year).

A person for the position of an assistant (post-doc) (K/M/X) should meet the following conditions:

1. Doctoral degree in biological, medical, pharmaceutical, or related sciences, obtained not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project. This period does not include breaks related to maternity leave, additional maternity leave, leave on the terms of maternity leave, additional leave on the terms of maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, or child care leave, granted on the terms set out in the provisions of the Labor Code or sickness allowance or rehabilitation benefit in connection with incapacity for work, including due to a disease requiring medical rehabilitation. In the case of women, the 7-year period may be extended by 18 months for each child born or adopted. A woman may choose a more favorable way to indicate breaks in her scientific career;
2. Documented experience in a biochemical laboratory and in working with laboratory animals (including intraperitoneal administration of compounds, behavioural testing: tail-flick test, von Frey test and/or cold plate test, tissue collection for biochemical analyses);
3. Documented publication record demonstrating knowledge of research into the mechanisms underlying chronic pain;
4. Experience in conducting research projects (at least as a team member), independently analysing and interpreting results, and preparing scientific manuscripts;
5. Completion of a training course for individuals planning and performing procedures on animals used for scientific or educational purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Polish Act on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2023, item 465, and of 2025, item 1795);
6. Experience in experimental laboratory work (wet lab), particularly in the preparation, processing and analysis of biological material obtained from laboratory animals;
7. Experience in applying biochemical and/or molecular biology methods for tissue analysis, including protein and/or RNA isolation (e.g. Western blot, ELISA, qPCR, preparation of samples for proteomic and/or other omics analyses);
8. Ability to independently plan, organise and conduct experiments, as well as maintain complete and accurate laboratory records;
9. Experience in analysing and interpreting experimental data, and knowledge of basic statistical methods used in biomedical research;
10. Publication record demonstrating research experience relevant to the profile of the position;
11. Evidence of active participation in the scientific community, including attendance and participation in conferences, symposia and other scientific events;
12. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, excellent organisational skills, and a strong sense of responsibility for biological samples and experimental documentation;
13. Proficiency in spoken and written English, enabling independent use of scientific literature, preparation of scientific publications and presentation of research findings;
14. High standards of research ethics and strict adherence to the principles governing research involving laboratory animals;
15. In the event of being selected for the position and commencing work on the project, the candidate must not receive any other remuneration from direct costs awarded under NCN (National Science Centre) funding schemes, nor be employed under any other employment contract.

An additional advantage will be:

1. Research experience in the pharmacology of histamine and opioid receptors;
2. Experience in conducting and monitoring experiments using a comprehensive metabolic and behavioural phenotyping system for rodents;
3. Experience in the precise collection and microdissection of brain and spinal cord structures, as well as preparation of tissue samples for biochemical, molecular and proteomic analyses;
4. Experience in interpreting data obtained from animal phenotyping systems and/or proteomic and other omics analyses;
5. Experience in collaborating with interdisciplinary and/or international research teams, as evidenced by scientific publications or participation in joint research projects;
6. Completion of research fellowships or scientific internships at national or international research institutions;
7. Experience in supervising or mentoring students or junior members of a research team;
8. Completion of a training course for individuals responsible for the killing of animals used for scientific or educational purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Polish Act on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2023, item 465, and of 2025, item 1795);
9. Proficiency in spoken and written Polish.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conducting in vivo experiments using mice in accordance with approved experimental protocols, applicable regulations and animal welfare principles;
2. Preparing and administering test compounds, including pitolisant and opioids;
3. Monitoring animals throughout the experiments and maintaining appropriate records;
4. Performing behavioural tests, particularly those designed to assess pain, as well as conducting and monitoring experiments using a comprehensive metabolic and behavioural phenotyping system for rodents;
5. Collecting biological material from animals, performing dissections and harvesting the brain and other tissues in accordance with the experimental design, followed by appropriate preservation, labelling, cataloguing, and storage of the collected material;
6. Preparing biological samples for subsequent biochemical analyses;
7. Performing analyses using molecular biology and biochemical methods, including, depending on project requirements, Western blot, ELISA, qPCR, immunohistochemistry;
8. Participating in the analysis of results obtained from proteomic experiments and imaging mass cytometry analyses;
9. Maintaining accurate experimental records, biological sample inventories and databases, as well as documentation relating to procedures performed on animals;
10. Performing statistical analyses and interpreting the results obtained, as well as integrating data derived from different experimental methods;
11. Reviewing current scientific literature relevant to the research topics addressed in the project;
12. Participating in the planning of subsequent experiments and in the day-to-day activities of the research team;
13. Preparing research findings for publication, contributing to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and presenting results at national and international conferences;
14. Strictly adhering to the Code of Ethics for Research Workers of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN);
15. Complying with the regulations and internal directives in force at the IP PAS.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

1. Application for employment for the above-mentioned position together with a cover letter with 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 the doctoral diploma or a certificate of obtaining a doctoral degree;
5. Short self-presentation text;
6. Copy of the certificate of completion of training in conducting research with the use of laboratory animals;
7. Contact details of persons who can provide references and who agreed to be contacted;
8. Certificate of English language proficiency, if available;
9. Statement on the primary place of employment and affiliation of research and publications, in accordance with App. No. 3 to the Form;
10. Information on the processing of personal data in accordance with Appendix 4 to the Form;
11. Declaration of impeccable ethical attitude in accordance with Appendix 5 to the Form.

Applications along with the required documentation should be sent in electronic form to the following e-mail address: ifpan@if-pan.edu.pl  by 26.11.2026.

The title of the message should indicate which competition the application concerns: “Competition – Assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X) – Dept. of Neurochemistry IP PAS – OPUS 28”.

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.

ANNOUNCEMENT DATE: 6.11.2026

SUBMISSION DUE TO: 26.11.2026

COMPETITION SETTLEMENT DATE: 7.12.2026