Results of the competition:
By means of the conducted competition, the competition committee has recommended Aleksandra Stawikowska for the position of PhD student in the project.
Description:
Position in the project: PhD student
Laboratory: Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Synaptic Plasticity
Scientific discipline: Life sciences
Keywords: synapse, mitochondria, fragile X syndrome, TRAP1, autism
Job type: Stipend/scholarship
Full-time
Number of job offers: 1
Remuneration/stipend amount/month: 5000 PLN (gross/gross)
Position starts on: 01.10.2020
Maximum period of contract/stipend agreement: 36 months, with a possibility of extension up to 48 months
Institution: Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw
Project leader: Dr hab. Magdalena Dziembowska
PhD supervisor: Dr hab. Magdalena Dziembowska
Project title: The role of mitochondria in the pathomechanism of autism-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
Competition type: OPUS 18
Financing institution: National Science Centre
Project description:
Synapses are the regions of the neuron that enable the transmission and propagation of action potentials on the cost of high energy consumption and elevated demand for mitochondrial ATP production. The rapid changes in local energetic requirements at dendritic spines imply the role of mitochondria in the maintenance of their homeostasis. Autism-associated neurodevelopmental disorders are often called synaptopathies because their pathomechanism is associated with abnormal physiology of the synapse. The direct link between autism and mitochondria metabolism has been suggested but mechanistically never well documented. Our recent data (Kuzniewska et al., EMBO Reports) show that mitochondrial biogenesis takes place locally at synapses and is altered in the mouse model of syndromic autism, fragile X syndrome (Fmr1 KO mice). In the new project, we are seeking to elucidate how mitochondrial physiology is altered in Fmr1 KO and a new mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. We hope to gain an insight into how malfunctioning of mitochondria contributes to autism-associated neurodevelopmental disorders. It may also allow us to propose new therapeutic targets for their treatment.
Key responsibilities include:
Participating in performing experiments planed in all research tasks to give him/her the opportunity to learn different laboratory techniques, data analysis and interpretation.
Disseminating results among scientific and non-scientific communities, preparing manuscripts and PhD thesis.
Profile of candidates/requirements:
The competition is open to persons who meet the conditions specified in the regulations on the allocation of resources for the implementation of tasks financed by the National Science Centre for OPUS 18 grant.
We seek motivated candidates with:
– MSc degree in biology or related field. The MSc degree must be obtained before the date of employment in the project – until 30.09.20 at the latest;
– Communicative English;
– Strong interest in neurobiology;
Experience in mammalian cell culture techniques, Western blotting, Confocal microscopy, Flow cytometry, Mass spectrometry, qPCR or Molecular cloning is not necessary but it would be an asset.
The successful candidate will be chosen on the basis of research achievements, laboratory skills, the ability to teamwork, and the ability to communicate in English.
Important:
After successful recruitment, the candidate will have to obtain the status of PhD student at the University of Warsaw (Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences), according to standing procedures (The registration deadline is 28.06.2020)
Required documents:
1. Cover letter
2. Current curriculum vitae including a description of prior research experience;
3. Copy of MSc degree (or, if the degree has not been obtained yet, a certificate/document about the date of MSc degree defense);
4. A list of publications and conference presentations;
5. At least two reference contacts (with phone numbers and e-mails)
We offer:
Stimulating and friendly work environment.
The possibility to participate in scientific conferences.
The opportunity to learn many laboratory techniques.
Please submit the applicationdocuments to: m.dziembowska@cent.uw.edu.pl with “PhD application” in the subject
Application deadline: 20.06.2020
Date of announcing the results: 24.06.2020
Method of notification about the results: e-mail
To allow us to process your data, please include in your application the signed information on the personal data processing, available at: http://bsp.adm.uw.edu.pl/bsp/druki-i-formularze/
Information about the competition is also available on the University of Warsaw website.
Deadline: 20/06/2020
Attachment: download
Tags: synapse, mitochondria, fragile X syndrome, TRAP1, autism
