National Science Centre grant under “MAESTRO” programme
project: “RNA toxicity in polyglutamine diseases”
principal investigator: Professor Wlodzimierz J. Krzyzosiak

Two new positions for postdoctoral fellows are open at the Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS in Poznan.

The project is aimed at a comprehensive understanding of the toxic role of RNA in the pathogenesisis of CAG repeat expansion diseases such as Huntington’s disease and several spinocerebellar ataxias. To bridge the existing knowledge and main directions of this project, the known and candidate RNA toxicity markers will be first characterized in the available patient-derived cell lines and in newly differentiated neurons derived from these cell lines, using an iPS technology. Most of the project’s efforts will be focused on identifying new cellular processes and pathways affected by mutant transcripts, using in vitro and in vivo approaches. To achieve this objective, new cellular and mouse models of polyglutamine diseases will be created and extensively characterized, using molecular biology, cell biology and functional genomics methods.

Qualifications
The specific experience expected from the candidates includes considerable skills in:
• Molecular genetics, gene cloning, directed mutagenesis, and gene editing techniques
• Molecular biology techniques and methods validating RNA-protein interaction
• Mammalian cell culture, generation of iPS cells and their differentiation to neurons
• Gene silencing, transgene expression, mRNA and miRNA transcriptomics
• Fluorescence microscopy, FISH, immunofluorescence, live cell RNA imaging
• Designing constructs for mouse transgenesis, handling and characterizing tg. mice
• Experience in bioinformatics and computational analysis of biological research data is highly desirable

The successful candidate for postdoctoral position is expected to show up most of these skills, and at least one year of postdoctoral research experience. The candidates will be selected based on the scientific excellence criteria, their publication record, and previous experience in research.

Salary
The postdoctoral position is for three years with a monthly salary 6000 PLN gross.

How to apply
The applications containing motivation letter, CV, publication list and reference letter/s, written either in English or Polish, should be mailed to Professor Wlodzimierz Krzyzosiak wlodkrzy@ibch.poznan.pl by April 30th 2013. The best candidates will receive invitation for an interview combined with delivering a 20 min. talk at DMB IBCh PAS by the end of May. The successful candidates will be informed about the DMB positive decision not later than by June 15th.