Results of the competition:
The competition is unresolved.
Description:
Director of Centre of New Technologies of the University of Warsaw, with the Project Leader, announce opening of the competition for the position of PhD Student in the Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Synaptic Plasticity – Centre of New Technologies of the University of Warsaw.
Position in the project: PhD student
Laboratory: Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Synaptic Plasticity
Scientific discipline: Life sciences
Keywords: neurons, polyadenylation, local translation, LTP, TENT5, TENT2(GLD2), direct RNA sequencing
Job type: Stipend/scholarship, full-time
Number of job offers: 1
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
UW Project leader: Dr hab. Magdalena Dziembowska
PhD supervisor: Dr hab. Magdalena Dziembowska
Project title: The impact of cytoplasmic polyadenylation on local translation in neurons
Competition type: GRIEG
Financing institution: National Science Centre
Project description: Synapses form small, semi-independent cellular compartments with their own local “on-demand” protein synthesis. Mechanisms involved in local dendritic translation include translation initiation, translational repression by the interaction of mRNAs bearing specific nucleotide sequences with their interacting proteins (such as FMRP), by binding microRNAs, or finally, by cytoplasmic polyadenylation. The regulation of protein expression by cytoplasmic polyadenylation in neurons was demonstrated for a few transcripts but was challenging to study due to the absence of reliable, quantitative methods. With the new emerging technology of direct RNA sequencing on nanopores, it is now possible to sequence entire mRNA molecules including the poly(A) tails. In the proposed project we will employ this method to characterize the genome-wide mRNA poly(A) tail dynamics during neural activity- dependent synaptic plasticity. This initial discovery stage will be followed by analyses of synaptic activity-dependent protein synthesis and plasticity. After identifying the fraction of synaptic mRNAs that undergo cytoplasmic polyadenylation, we will search for enzymes responsible for this process using in-house generated unique KO and knock-in mouse models. Finally, we aim to elucidate mechanisms by which specific mRNAs are selected for cytoplasmic polyadenylation. In sum, this project, thanks to a combination of contemporary transcriptomic approaches with functional studies on mouse KO models, will provide the first comprehensive picture of the role of cytoplasmic polyadenylation in the regulation of local protein synthesis at synapses. The project will be implemented in collaboration with Prof. Clive Bramham from University of Bergen and Prof. Andrzej Dziembowski from IIMCB in Warsaw.
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:
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 molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, and animal handling 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 certificate (or, if the MSc certificate has not been obtained yet, a certificate/document about the date of MSc defence); 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 application documents 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
Tags: neurons, polyadenylation, local translation, LTP, TENT5, TENT2(GLD2), direct RNA sequencing
