Assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X)

Research Field: Biological sciences; Medical sciences; Other Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions: Postdoc Positions Application Deadline: 7 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country: Poland Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 40 Offer Starting Date: 4 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description The objective of this competition is to select a person for the position of Assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X) to conduct scientific research within the framework of the National Science Centre (NCN) project OPUS 26, no. 2023/51/B/NZ7/02360, entitled “ Semaglutide and neurodevelopment: investigating risks arising from prenatal exposure to a widely popular drug for diabetes and obesity. ” We are looking for a motivated, independent, and enthusiastic individual who is eager to develop their scientific career and contribute to research conducted by Team III of the Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism at the Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences. We offer opportunities to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research projects, further develop scientific expertise and experimental skills, and work in a collaborative and supportive team environment that values mutual respect, open communication, and knowledge sharing. KEYWORDS: neurodevelopment, developmental toxicity, animal models, molecular biology, neurotoxicity, neurobiology. Research Topic Description Semaglutide, a drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, has gained global popularity, particularly among women of reproductive age, raising concerns about its potential impact on fetal development. The planned research aims to investigate the effects of semaglutide on neurodevelopmental processes using in vivo models. It is hypothesized that exposure to this compound during the first trimester of pregnancy may affect the development of the offspring’s nervous system by modulating synaptic plasticity, neuronal connectivity, and cognitive functions through mechanisms associated with GLP-1R receptor signaling pathways. The project foresees comprehensive biochemical, molecular, and behavioral analyses to provide an in-depth assessment of the potential neurotoxic effects of semaglutide. We Offer: The opportunity to work on an interesting research project funded by the National Science Centre (NCN); Opportunities to develop one’s own scientific ideas, gain valuable research experience, and further enhance one’s scientific skills; A friendly and supportive working environment within a small, dedicated research team that values collaboration, mutual support, and knowledge sharing; Opportunities to actively contribute to scientific publications and present research findings at conferences; The freedom to work independently, pursue one’s scientific interests, and develop one’s own research initiatives within the scope of the project. Scope of Duties: Participation in the planning, organization, and implementation of experimental studies in accordance with the research project objectives, approved experimental protocols, applicable regulations, and animal welfare standards; Independent performance of assigned research tasks using experimental methods and techniques relevant to the scope of the project; Preparation and processing of biological material for further investigations and conducting laboratory analyses using selected biochemical and molecular biology techniques; Performing experimental measurements and assessments, including functional and behavioral analyses, in accordance with established research protocols; Optimization and refinement of experimental procedures to ensure the quality, reliability, and reproducibility of research results; Collection, processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation of experimental data in the context of current scientific knowledge; Maintaining accurate and systematic laboratory documentation, archiving experimental data, and preparing periodic research progress reports; Contributing to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, and dissemination of research findings; Active collaboration with other members of the research team and participation in scientific and organizational activities related to project implementation; Ensuring the proper use of laboratory equipment, appropriate handling of biological material, and compliance with laboratory quality and safety standards; Strict adherence to the Code of Ethics of PAS scientific employees; Compliance with internal regulations and official directives in force at the IP PAS. Employment Conditions: Employment within the project will be offered under a full-time employment contract for the duration of the project, with the possibility of extension. The salary will be in accordance with the NCN OPUS 26 regulations, i.e. PLN 140,000 gross gross per year. The planned starting date of employment is January 2027. Where to apply E-mail: ifpan@if-pan.edu.pl Requirements Research Field: Biological sciences — Education Level: PhD or equivalent Research Field: Medical sciences — Education Level: PhD or equivalent Research Field: Other — Education Level: PhD or equivalent Skills/Qualifications The person for the position of Assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X) should meet the following requirements: A doctoral degree in biological, pharmaceutical, medical, veterinary sciences or related fields, obtained at an institution other than the Institute of Pharmacology PAS, not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project, or completion of at least a 10-month, continuous, and documented postdoctoral fellowship abroad. The 7-year period may be extended by the documented time spent on long-term (over 90 days) medical leave or rehabilitation benefits due to incapacity for work. In addition, this period may be extended by the number of months of parental or childcare leave granted under the provisions of the Polish Labour Code, and for women, by 18 months for each child born or adopted, if this method of accounting for career breaks is more advantageous; Proficiency in performing basic in vivo procedures, including subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, as well as tissue and organ collection for further analyses; Practical knowledge of methods such as gene expression analysis (qPCR), biochemical and immunoenzymatic assays (e.g. ELISA), RNA/DNA/protein isolation; Experience in implementing research projects, independently analyzing and interpreting results, preparing manuscripts, and presenting and discussing findings in public; Completed training required for persons planning and conducting procedures and euthanizing 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 (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 465, of 2025, item 1795); Advanced command of the English language, both spoken and written. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, excellent organizational skills, and a strong sense of responsibility for the proper handling of biological material and the accurate maintenance of experimental documentation; Exemplary ethical conduct. Additional assets will include: Knowledge of the Polish language; Practical experience in conducting behavioral assessments in laboratory animals, including the use of selected tests to evaluate locomotor activity, motor coordination, cognitive functions, and emotional behavior, as well as the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent Research Field: Biological sciences, Medical sciences, Other Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10 Additional Information Selection process Applications along with the required documentation should be sent in electronic form to the following e-mail address: ifpan@if-pan.edu.pl by 7.12.2026. The title of the message should indicate which competition the application concerns: "Competition - Assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X) – Team III - OPUS 26” . REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Application for employment for the above-mentioned position together with a cover letter with a description of scientific interests; Information about the candidate in accordance with Appendix 1 to the Form; Personal questionnaire for a person applying for employment in accordance with Appendix 2 to the Form; Copy of the doctoral diploma or a certificate of obtaining a doctoral degree; Short self-presentation text; Copy of the certificate of completion of training for persons planning and conducting procedures and euthanizing 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 (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 465, of 2025, item 1795); Contact details of persons who can provide references and who agreed to be contacted; Certificate of English language proficiency, if available; Statement on the primary place of employment and affiliation of research and publications, in accordance with App. No. 3 to the Form; Information on the processing of personal data in accordance with Appendix 4 to the Form; Declaration of impeccable ethical attitude in accordance with Appendix 5 to the Form. Appendixes available at: https://if-pan.edu.pl/edukacja-i-kariera/oferty-pracy/ Additional comments 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: 10.11.2026 SUBMISSION DUE TO: 7.12.2026 COMPETITION SETTLEMENT DATE: 15.12.2026 Website for additional job details: https://if-pan.edu.pl/ Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences Country: Poland City: Krakow Postal Code: PL31343 Street: 12 Smętna street Contact City: Krakow Website: https://if-pan.edu.pl/ Street: 12 Smętna street Postal Code: PL31343 E-Mail: ifpan@if-pan.edu.pl