We are looking for a Research Assistant to work in the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS) hosted by the University of Gdańsk in one of the research groups: Cancer Immunology (prof. N. Marek-Trzonkowska), Clinical Peptidomics (dr S. Kote), Immune Memory & Cell Reprogramming (dr hab. W. Siwek), Structural Proteomics (dr hab. U. Kalathiya). Role in the project: Scientific / scientific-technical staff members.
The position is offered in the frame of the project No. FENG.02.01-IP.05-0031/23 "Science for Welfare, Innovations, and Forceful Therapies (SWIFT)". The project is implemented under the International Research Agenda program financed by the European Funds for a Smart Economy 2021-2027 (FENG), Priority FENG.02 Innovation-friendly environment, Measure FENG.02.01 International Research Agendas.
About the SWIFT project
ICCVS is the Center of Excellence established in 2017 as part of the IRAP programme of FNP at the University of Gdańsk. Since then, we have elaborated an algorithm for identification of cancer specific T cells, which selectively kill autologous tumour but not healthy lung tissue. Simultaneously, we have developed the method for identification and quantification of cancer specific antigens (neoantigens) presented by MHC class I molecules of the tumour. Therefore, in the current project we want to use this experience and know-how to develop comprehensive anti-cancer therapy that will be translated into clinical trial and will open new research pathways in oncology. To achieve this goal the current project is composed of the following 2 parts which will be developed in parallel: 1). Clinical Trial and 2) Research and Development Activities focused on improvement of the approach tested in clinical trial. With the SWIFT project we aim to stream R&D activity into the following directions: 1). Identification of neoantigens presented by the tumour MHC class I and class II molecules and isolation of T cell clones that recognize them (groups involved: Clinical Peptidomics, Cancer Immunology, Structural Peptidomics and Immune Memory & Cell Reprogramming) 2). Determination of specific receptor-ligand pairs responsible for docking of cancer derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to T cells (groups involved: Clinical Peptidomics, Structural Proteomics and Cancer Immunology) 3). Development of the strategies preventing T cell reprogramming by cancer derived EVs (groups involved: Immune Memory & Cell Reprogramming, Structural Proteomics and Cancer Immunology) 4). Modification of tumour microenvironment with reprogrammed autologous monocytes (groups involved: Immune Memory & Cell Reprogramming, Cancer Immunology, Structural Proteomics and Clinical Peptidomics).
About ICCVS
The International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS) has been established in 2017 as a joint unit of the University of Gdańsk (UG) and the University of Edinburgh (UoE) within a project carried out within the International Research Agendas Programme of the Foundation for Polish Science funded from the European Regional Development Fund. The aim of ICCVS has been comprehensive research into development of novel diagnostic and prognostic markers and personalized anti-cancer therapies and vaccines, followed by their commercialization and implementation into clinical practice. ICCVS works on a range of national and international research projects concentrating on cancer biology and novel approaches to immunotherapies. The focus of the ICCVS is the development of personalized vaccine against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The approach is based on use of cancer specific T cells that are selected by the special algorithm elaborated at ICCVS. The first in vitro and in vivo studies are very encouraging, and the team plans to start clinical trials in a few years.
Where to apply
E-mail: iccvs@ug.edu.pl
Requirements
Research Field: Technology » Biotechnology
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Completed second-cycle degree in bioinformatics, biotechnology, biology, medical science or other fields related to cancer biology at the moment of signing the employment contract.
- Excellent academic performance (grades average, master thesis topic).
- Knowledge and basic skills in one of the profiles:
- Bioinformatics – experience in data analysis with computational tools; knowledge of biology concepts and relevant computational tools.
- Immunology & Epigenetics - experience with cell culture and standard RNA/protein assays as well as sequencing data analysis; knowledge of immunology, epigenetics, and statistical analysis is desirable.
- Molecular modeling of protein complexes – experience in in silico molecular modelling; knowledge of protein structure and computational biology tools.
- Very good written, oral communication and presentation skills.
- Good knowledge of English (written and spoken).
- Commitment to working collaboratively within an inclusive and diverse multicultural environment.
- Strong motivation to work in research and ability to work individually as well as in a team.
- Motivated to conduct research aimed at writing and defending a doctoral thesis.
- National/International grants/funding writing and/or implementation experience is desirable
Specific Requirements
- Actively conducting scientific research according to the project's research agenda.
- Presentation and discussion of research progress and scientific results at ICCVS and at external events.
- Participation in training, protocol development, seminars, group meetings, and other activities of scientific exchange indispensable for the progress of the project.
- Analysis and interpretation of research results.
- Writing of scientific publications.
- Writing of research grants.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Additional Information
Benefits
- Full-time employment at the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science at the University of Gdansk. The start date of employment is as soon as possible but negotiable.
- Academic and organizational support.
- Fully operational research equipment and specialist laboratory facilities.
- Friendly, inspiring, interdisciplinary environment.
- Additional yearly remuneration (so-called "13th salary"), if eligible and according to binding provisions at the University
- Holiday allowance/ Christmas allowance, if eligible and according to binding provisions at the University
- Possibility of paid participation in private medical insurance, Multisport offer, life insurance.
- Possibility of use of the Universities holiday facilities.
- Possibility to apply for university accommodation.
- Excellent opportunities for professional development, such as participation in training courses and scientific conferences in Poland and abroad
- Excellent location in Gdańsk-Śródmieście district.
Eligibility criteria
- Curriculum vitae with a list of publications (if any), and a list of ongoing research projects (with specification of role in the research if unclear); a list of conference talks (if any), and a list of training (if any); a list of academic prizes and awards (if any);
- PDF files of (at most) three relevant papers by the candidate (or web links, in the case of open access publications);
- Motivation letter (including statement of current scientific interests) – up to 2 pages;
- Signed statement on the GDPR information clause for this job offer according to the template provided https://iccvs.ug.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Job_offer_2026_04.pdf.
- Documents confirming academic degrees (a scan of master diploma or document stating the planned date of achieving which should not be later than 3 months from the date of announcement of this job offer)
NOTE: 1. Before signing the employment contract, the person selected in the competition is requested to submit to the University of Gdansk the original of the diploma, in case of diplomas issued abroad. 2. Candidates holding a diploma awarded by a foreign higher education institution are required to provide a document confirming its recognition or equivalence in Poland, in accordance with applicable Polish regulations, prior to employment.
- References: contact details (name, affiliation, email) of two researchers who can be contacted for references.
Please prepare documents referring to items 1-4 in English and merge to ONE pdf file.
Selection process
- The decision will be made by the Recruitment Committee (RC) no later than 3 months from the deadline for submission of applications.
- An interview will be held (online or onsite). The interview is planned for late September.
- 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.
- In the event of resignation from accepting the position of the selected candidate, the RC has the right to send the offer to a person placed on the reserve list, and in the absence of such a list, the RC has the right to reconsider the applications submitted to the competition and to select another candidate.
Additional comments
Submit the documents to iccvs@ug.edu.pl
Please add in the subject of the email the reference: "2026_04" and the preferred profile:
a) bioinformatics, b) immunology & epigenetics, c) molecular modeling of protein complexes
Website for additional job details: https://iccvs.ug.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Job_offer_2026_04.pdf
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk
Country: Poland
State/Province: pomorskie
City: Gdansk
Postal Code: 80-809
Street: Kladki 24
Contact
City: Gdańsk
Website: http://www.iccvs.ug.edu.pl/
Street: Bażyńskiego 8
E-Mail: iccvs@ug.edu.pl
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