Offer: Postdoctoral Researcher Position in the Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Immunology

Offer: Post-doctoral researcher

Experimental and Translational Immunology Group (DGO lab) seeks to recruit a talented and passionate individual to work in the field of immunology as part of project FENG.02.02-IP.05-0332/23 “The role of skin-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in the progression of allergic march and novel vesicle-based preventive strategy”. The principal investigator of the research project is Prof. Danuta Gutowska-Owsiak, M.D., Ph.D.

More details about the PI and the research group at: www.dgo.ug.edu.pl

Project description:

Allergic diseases often occur in a pattern of the so-called "allergic march"; the significant role of atopic dermatitis has been proven (AD) as an initiating factor in asthma and inflammation in distant tissues. In our research, we have identified abnormal communication between the skin and the immune system in AD, and specifically, the role of small extracellular vesicles (sEV), produced by diseased keratinocytes, in exacerbating allergic inflammation in the disease. Since sEVs are transferred in the body with circulation, in this project we want to investigate the involvement of those vesicles in promoting allergic inflammation outside the skin, contributing to the progression of allergic march. This prestigious project includes both in vitro and in vivo models and is carried out in collaboration with Prof. Graham Ogg, the scientific partner from the University of Oxford.

The funding for this exciting project was obtained within the FIRST TEAM programme of the Foundation for Polish Science co-financed by the European Union under the FENG Programme (The European Funds for Smart Economy 2021-2027).

Details of employment:

Full-time, up to 21 months (probationary period applies)
Gross salary: circa 13 000 PLN/month
Preferred starting date: January 2027 (negotiable)

Responsibilities:

1. Designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work under the supervision of Principal Investigator, maintaining regular and complete research notes;
2. Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings, national and international conferences, as required;
3. Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group;
4. Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, incl. administrative and organizational tasks as a part of the team.

Requirements:

1. Ph.D. in immunology, biology, biotechnology, medical biology or similar (or expected to be awarded before the start of the employment);
2. Proven hands-on experience with animal models; including in vivo, and work with harvested tissues;
3. Proven hands-on experience in tissue culture, standard immunology, molecular biology, incl. and advanced techniques, such as work with keratinocytes, isolation and characterisation of sEVs, CRISPR, transfection/tranduction, 3D organoids, multiplex-based analyte detection, flow cytometry.
4. Certifications/license to work with animals (required);
5. Interest in immunology and allergy;
6. Passion, ambition, and motivation for scientific development; 
7. Ability to work independently, in a team, and in collaborative projects;
8. Very good English language skills (written and oral) as required for a scientific environment.

We offer:

1. The opportunity to contribute to an exciting research project in collaboration with world-leading scientists;
2. An excellent opportunity to extend and enrich personal scientific career track and acquire multidisciplinary skills;
3. Opportunity to work in one of the best research institutions in Poland;
4. Supportive environment and opportunity to realize research ambitions; 
5. Supervisory experience;
6. Personal development of transferable skills;
7. Flexible working time.

Eligibility:

Due to the regulations imposed by the Founder, only candidates with a maximum of 7 years since receiving their PhD (counted in the year following the award of the degree) will be considered. This eligibility window extends for women by 1 year for every child born or adopted; for men by 1 year for every child born or adopted if a minimum of 6 months (continuous) of paternity leave was taken. The eligibility window is also extended by 1 year for each applicant, regardless of gender, in case of a break (6 months or more) in the research career for any other reason.

Required documents:

- CV (in English) documenting achievements, scientific degrees, publications, technical skills, research stays and other relevant experience;
- Document confirming the scientific degree;
- Cover letter (in English) outlining motivation to join the project and the most important scientific achievement of the candidate;
- Details of at least two individuals willing to provide references for the candidate.
- Please include in your application: “I hereby give consent for my personal data included in my application to be processed for the purposes of the recruitment process under the Personal Data Protection Act as of 29 August 1997, consolidated text: Journal of Laws 2016, item 922 as amended.”

Deadline for submitting documents: 16st October 2026; Interviews for selected candidates: 4th November 2026

Applications and informal enquires: danuta.gutowska-owsiak[at]ug.edu.pl; more details: www.dgo.ug.edu.pl