Competition for the position of doctoral student-scholarship holder in a research project

Name of the unit: Department of Medical Biotechnology, the Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, CEZAMAT at the Warsaw University of Technology
Position name: PhD student – scholarship holder (1 position)
NCN competition type: OPUS -25
Project title: Biomaterials inducing DNA demethylation as tools for future neuron regeneration therapies
Principal investigator: Katarzyna Nawrotek, (katarzyna.nawrotek@pw.edu.pl)

Requirements:
1. Completed Master’s studies in one of the following disciplines: biomedical engineering, biology, chemical engineering or related fields no later than January 5, 2025
2. Completed recruitment process for the WUT doctoral school no later than February 7, 2025
3. Experience in working with biological material (in vitro cell culture and analysis)
4. Knowledge of English at a level enabling free use of specialist literature and communication in an international team
5. Motivation, curiosity, creativity, ability to work independently and in a team

Competencies welcome:
1. Experience and interest in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine
2. Experience in conducting research using instrumental techniques, including: infrared spectroscopy and uv-vis spectrophotometry
3. Experience in conducting research using molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA isolation and purification) and sequencing

Description of tasks:
Participation in research work as part of the Opus-25 project entitled „Biomaterials that induce DNA demethylation as tools for future neuronal regeneration therapies”
1. Cell culture using Axon Isolation Devices
2. Cell imaging using a confocal microscope
3. Synthesis of biomaterials
6. Characterization of biomaterials using instrumental techniques, including: infrared spectroscopy and uv-vis spectrophotometry
4. DNA isolation and purification
5. Sequencing
6. Analysis of the obtained results, preparation of reports and scientific publications

Deadline for submitting offers:
15/02/2025

Form of submitting offers:
email: katarzyna.nawrotek@pw.edu.pl (email title: OPUS – PhD student).

Required documents:
1. cover letter
2. CV
3. copy of the master’s diploma with a supplement
4. opinion of the scientific supervisor or master’s thesis supervisor
5. documenting scientific achievements (publications, conference presentations), distinctions resulting from conducting scientific research, scholarships, awards, workshops, training

Additional information on the subject of the project: Summary available at https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/listy-rankingowe/2023-03-14-opkit45wac/streczenia/591486-pl.pdf

Conditions of employment:
• Recruitment to the Doctoral School at the Warsaw University of Technology.
• Type of contract: scholarship approx. PLN 5,000/month
Possible additional scholarship from the Doctoral School
• Start date: March 1, 2025
• Employment period: 6-month trial period (possibly extended to 48 months)

What we offer:
1. Possibility to work in an international team
2. Participation in research that will help point the way to the development of new therapeutic methods
3. Access to modern research laboratories
4. Possibility to complete a research internship in domestic and foreign research centers
5. Possibility to participate in domestic and foreign conferences and scientific workshops

Additional information:
• The following clause should be included in the CV: „I consent to the processing of my personal data for the purposes of the recruitment process and project implementation (Article 6(1)(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27/04. 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC – OJ EU.L.2016.119.1 of 2016/05/04)” and „I agree to the processing of my personal data contained in this recruitment application for recruitment purposes of the Warsaw University of Technology. You can withdraw your consent at any time by sending an e-mail to katarzyna.nawrotek@pw.edu.pl. You also have the right to access, rectify, delete and transfer your personal data.

• Candidates will be selected and involved in the implementation of the project in accordance with the Regulations for granting funds for the implementation of tasks financed by the National Science Center in the field of research projects, specified by the resolution of the NCN Council No. 23/2023 of February 16, 2023. The research scholarship from the OPUS project is independent of doctoral scholarships. Applications will be assessed by the Competition Committee appointed by the project manager. The Competition Committee reserves the right to interview selected candidates (candidates will be informed electronically about the place and time of the interview). There is no appeal against the committee’s decision. The unit reserves the right not to resolve the competition if the competition committee finds that none of the candidates meets the requirements specified in the competition.