PhD Position in Biological Sciences: Immunogenicity and Vaccine Design against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A PhD position is available in Biological Sciences at the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS), Wrocław, Poland. The research project, funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (NCN, SHENG 4), is part of an international Polish–Chinese collaboration and focuses on the chemical synthesis, immunogenicity, and identification of protective carbohydrate epitopes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa antigens. The project aims to advance the rational design of effective glycoconjugate vaccines against this high-priority, multidrug-resistant pathogen. The PhD project, titled "Processing and presentation of selected Pseudomonas aeruginosa O antigens," will be supervised by Marta Kaszowska, PhD, DSc, with Prof. Jolanta Łukasiewicz, PhD, DSc, as the project leader. Research activities include the preparation and structural characterization of glycoconjugates, imaging of antigen processing and presentation in vitro, analysis of antigen-presenting cells, and characterization of CD4⁺ T-cell responses induced by glycoconjugates. The outcome will contribute to understanding the relationship between in vivo immunogenicity and antigen processing, crucial for vaccine development. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and supportive research team, gaining hands-on experience with advanced research infrastructure such as NMR, MS, SPR, GC-MS, HPLC, and flow cytometry. Opportunities for independent research, individual mentoring, national and international training, and collaboration with leading institutions are provided. The research will be conducted at the Laboratory of Immunochemistry of Microorganisms and Vaccines, with cooperation from the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences and the Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT. Applicants should have a strong background in biological sciences, immunology, microbiology, or related fields. Experience with relevant laboratory techniques is advantageous. The planned start date is March 1, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the supervisor and review the current calls at the Doctoral School of the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, PAS for application details.