Postdoc Researcher: Astrocytic protein quality control in Alzheimer’s

P4Health seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to study astrocytic protein quality control in Alzheimer’s using human cell models and molecular biology.

P4Health: Center of Excellence in Precise Phenotyping and BioDataBanking for Personalised Brain Health – Project is carried out within the MAB-RA programme of the Foundation for Polish Science.

The P4Health Centre of Excellence is an interdisciplinary initiative focused on advancing Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, and Participatory (P4) approaches in health and medicine. Within the IRAP framework, the project’s scientific goal is to discover and validate novel therapeutic concepts aimed at counteracting symptoms of brain disorders associated with astrocyte pathology. The applied research programme is designed to deliver a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of astrocyte dysfunction and its impact on neuronal networks, building on the complementary expertise of a team with a strong publication record in reputable journals and proven experience in identifying nervous system pathomechanisms and developing prototype drug candidates. Project outcomes will be protected as intellectual property and will provide a foundation for translation through clinical studies and appropriate commercialisation pathways.

P4Health’s key features:

• Interdisciplinary centre advancing P4 approaches in health and medicine
• Applied, mechanism-driven research focused on astrocyte dysfunction and its effects on neuronal networks
• Strong scientific track record demonstrated through high-quality publications and prior discoveries in nervous system pathomechanisms
• Translation-oriented strategy, from concept validation to clinical studies and commercialisation
• Systematic protection and management of intellectual property to support downstream implementation

Position description:

P4Health CoE is seeking an ambitious and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join studies investigating astrocytic protein quality control in Alzheimer’s disease.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are devastating, age-related disorders that, despite substantial research efforts, remain largely incurable. Our work employs cutting-edge approaches to advance understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, with the ultimate aim of proposing novel therapeutic strategies. In your role, you will use cell reprogramming methods and implement the state-of-the-art human model systems to investigate the origin and progression of the Alzheimer’s disease pathology.

The deposition of misfolding-prone proteins is a hallmark of NDDs and consistent evidence points to the dysregulation of protein quality control (PQC) in neurodegenerative pathogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that boosting the PQC can be beneficial in preventing protein misfolding as well as ameliorating neurodegenerative phenotypes (Das, Krzyzosiak et al. 2015, Science; Krzyzosiak, Sigurdardottir et al. 2018, Cell). Building on these findings, our aim is to systematically investigate the molecular components of PQC pathways and to exploit their potential to modify NDD-associated cellular pathology.The position is intended for a person holding a doctoral degree for no longer than 5 years. The 5-year period is counted from the year of obtaining the doctoral degree. This period begins with the annual data of obtaining the degree, and ends with the year preceding the completion date, which may occur through a competition. The 5-year period may be extended to include any interrupted periods of research work occurring after obtaining the degree, provided that the interruption lasts no less than 6 months.

We encourage applications from candidates of all nationalities, genders and backgrounds.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing, implementing, and maintaining human cellular models
• Designing and conducting experiments, as well as analyzing and interpreting data
• Reporting to the group leader
• Drafting research articles and presenting at conferences
• Maintaining high-quality laboratory records
• Communicating and collaborating within the team
• Contributing ideas to address project-related questions
• Actively contributing to a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment

Profile of candidates/requirements:

Essential:

• A PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline or PhD dissertation due within 3 months of the application date
• Excellent skills in establishing and maintenance of cell culture
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques
• Previous experience in studying neurodegeneration and/or protein quality control
• Ability to work independently and also capability of interacting within a group
• Commitment, creativity and motivation to take on challenges
• Very good work organization skills
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Comfort working in an international research environment

Desirable:

• Hands-on experience in reprogramming of human cells
• Experience with pharmacological and/or genetic approaches
• International training or work experience
• Experience with bioinformatics tools will be a plus

Required documents:

• CV including list of publication Cover letter including motivation to join P4Health Copy of PhD diploma (or thesis title and expected date of defense)
• Contact details for two referees
• Contact information, including e-mail address and phone number The candidates may include additional information or copies of documents/certificates in support of the application

We offer: 

• Full-time employment contract (1,0 FTE)
• Integration into the newly founded P4Health Center of Excellence, with strong institutional support
• Active mentorship
• Participation in international conferences and workshops
• Opportunity to collaborate with an experienced scientific team, with structured support for scientific and career development
• Possibility to contribute to high-quality scientific publications and to engage in activities supporting the commercialisation of research outcomes.
• Co-financing of private medical care.
• Co-financing of a sports and wellness card.
• Option to enrol in group life insurance.
• Co-financing through the Social Benefits Fund (including holiday and Christmas benefits).
• Work in a modern, green science campus environment.
• Free on-site parking.

Position starts 1st of July2026.