Assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X) at the Dept. of Neurochemistry IP PAS (OPUS 28) in Katowice

Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences

Organisation/Company Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences Department Dept. of Neurochemistry Research Field Biological sciences Medical sciences Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 26 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 14 Dec 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as the Institute or IF PAN) announces the competition for an

assistant (post-doc) (F/M/X) position at the Department of Neurochemistry IP PAS

to carry out tasks in the NCN OPUS 28 project 2024/55/B/NZ7/02610 „ Decoding the novel role of the histamine H3 receptor in opioid-induced analgesia and hyperalgesia: studies toward innovative therapies for chronic pain. ”

KEYWORDS: pitolisant, histamine H3 receptor, opioids, neuropharmacology, chronic pain, in vivo studies, animal models of pain, proteomics, nervous system, neuropathic pain

We are looking for a candidate interested in conducting experimental research in neuropharmacology, with prior experience working with laboratory animals and performing experimental laboratory procedures. The main responsibilities of the successful candidate will include conducting in vivo studies, including the administration of test compounds such as pitolisant and morphine, performing behavioural studies, collecting and processing biological samples, and carrying out subsequent biochemical and molecular analyses of the collected tissues. An important aspect of the position will involve processing and analysing behavioural data obtained using animal phenotyping cages, as well as participating in the experimental validation of molecular targets identified based on proteomic analysis results.

What we offer:

The opportunity to work in a research team conducting studies in neuropharmacology, pain neurobiology and the mechanisms of action of histamine H3 receptor and opioid receptor ligands.

The opportunity to participate in research combining in vivo pharmacology, experimental laboratory studies and advanced molecular, proteomic and electrophysiological analyses.

Collaboration with an experienced team of scientists and national and international research partners.

The opportunity to contribute to the preparation of scientific publications arising from the research conducted, with co-authorship reflecting the actual contribution to the execution and analysis of the studies.

Participation in national and international scientific conferences.

Opportunities for further professional development and enhancement of skills in experimental neuropharmacology, in vivo research and advanced methods for biological sample analysis.

Work in an interdisciplinary and supportive scientific environment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment under the project on a full-time basis, under an employment contract for a period of 18 months. Remuneration in accordance with the NCN OPUS 28 regulations (i.e. PLN 140,000.00 gross gross per year).

Requirements Research Field Biological sciences Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Medical sciences Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Other Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

A person for the position of anassistant (post-doc) (K/M/X) should meet the following conditions:

Doctoral degree in biological, medical, pharmaceutical, or related sciences, obtained not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project. This period does not include breaks related to maternity leave, additional maternity leave, leave on the terms of maternity leave, additional leave on the terms of maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, or child care leave, granted on the terms set out in the provisions of the Labor Code or sickness allowance or rehabilitation benefit in connection with incapacity for work, including due to a disease requiring medical rehabilitation. In the case of women, the 7-year period may be extended by 18 months for each child born or adopted. A woman may choose a more favorable way to indicate breaks in her scientific career;

Documented experience in a biochemical laboratory and in working with laboratory animals (including intraperitoneal administration of compounds, behavioural testing: tail-flick test, von Frey test and/or cold plate test, tissue collection for biochemical analyses);

Documented publication record demonstrating knowledge of research into the mechanisms underlying chronic pain;

Experience in conducting research projects (at least as a team member), independently analysing and interpreting results, and preparing scientific manuscripts;

Completion of a training course for individuals planning and performing procedures on animals used for scientific or educational purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Polish Act on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2023, item 465, and of 2025, item 1795);

Experience in experimental laboratory work (wet lab), particularly in the preparation, processing and analysis of biological material obtained from laboratory animals;

Experience in applying biochemical and/or molecular biology methods for tissue analysis, including protein and/or RNA isolation (e.g. Western blot, ELISA, qPCR, preparation of samples for proteomic and/or other omics analyses);

Ability to independently plan, organise and conduct experiments, as well as maintain complete and accurate laboratory records;

Experience in analysing and interpreting experimental data, and knowledge of basic statistical methods used in biomedical research;

Publication record demonstrating research experience relevant to the profile of the position;

Evidence of active participation in the scientific community, including attendance and participation in conferences, symposia and other scientific events;

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, excellent organisational skills, and a strong sense of responsibility for biological samples and experimental documentation;

Proficiency in spoken and written English, enabling independent use of scientific literature, preparation of scientific publications and presentation of research findings;

High standards of research ethics and strict adherence to the principles governing research involving laboratory animals;

In the event of being selected for the position and commencing work on the project, the candidate must not receive any other remuneration from direct costs awarded under NCN (National Science Centre) funding schemes, nor be employed under any other employment contract.

An additional advantage will be:

Research experience in the pharmacology of histamine and opioid receptors;

Experience in conducting and monitoring experiments using a comprehensive metabolic and behavioural phenotyping system for rodents;

Experience in the precise collection and microdissection of brain and spinal cord structures, as well as preparation of tissue samples for biochemical, molecular and proteomic analyses;

Experience in interpreting data obtained from animal phenotyping systems and/or proteomic and other omics analyses;

Experience in collaborating with interdisciplinary and/or international research teams, as evidenced by scientific publications or participation in joint research projects;

Completion of research fellowships or scientific internships at national or international research institutions;

Experience in supervising or mentoring students or junior members of a research team;

Completion of a training course for individuals responsible for the killing of animals used for scientific or educational purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Polish Act on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2023, item 465, and of 2025, item 1795);

Proficiency in spoken and written Polish.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Biological sciencesMedical sciencesOther Years of Research Experience 4 - 10

Additional Information Selection process

Applications along with the required documentation should be sent in electronic form to the following e-mail address: ifpan@if-pan.edu.pl by 26.11.2026.

The winner of the competition will be selected from among those meeting the formal requirements based on the analysis of documents and possible invited interviews.

Please be advised that we will contact only selected candidates and we will not return the submitted documents. We reserve the right to void the contest without giving any reason.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences Country Poland City Krakow Postal Code PL31343 Street 12 Smętna street Geofield