Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuro-Muscular Plasticity Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS in Poland

The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS in Warsaw, Poland, is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher for the Laboratory of Neuro-Muscular Plasticity. This is a full-time, temporary research position within the NCN OPUS 28 project, with one available postdoctoral slot.

The project is centered on neural progenitor cells, spinal cord repair, and the mechanisms underlying recovery of locomotor function after injury. The research aims to generate pre-differentiated neural progenitor cells and test whether culture conditions can steer them toward specific neuron types. The team will study cells from different sources, including fetal brainstem tissue and endogenous spinal cord ependymal cells, and assess their differentiation in vitro, in ex vivo organotypic spinal cord cultures, and in vivo paraplegic rat models. The work integrates cell culture, transplantation studies, histology, microscopy, neuroanatomical and neurophysiological methods, electrophysiology, and large-scale gene expression analysis.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team and will participate directly in laboratory experiments, documenting research, preparing histological dissections and image analyses, developing results, contributing to reports and manuscripts, and presenting findings at seminars and conferences. The institute highlights access to advanced research infrastructure and opportunities for scientific development, publications, and conference participation.

Eligibility is set by NCN formal rules. Applicants should hold a PhD in biology, neurobiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related field, with the degree awarded by an institution other than Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS. Alternatively, a documented continuous postdoctoral fellowship of at least 10 months at another institution in another country may satisfy the formal requirement. The candidate should have knowledge of nervous system physiology and molecular and cell biology, practical experience with in vitro cell culture, and strong laboratory skills in biology-related methods. Experience with rodents, ex vivo organotypic culture, and gene expression analysis are additional advantages. Strong English communication skills, scientific motivation, independence, and teamwork ability are expected.

The appointment is for 12 months initially, with the possibility of extension up to a total of 3 years under the grant. The salary is PLN 9,300 gross, with additional benefits such as private medical care, sports support, professional training, life insurance, and holiday fund contributions.

To apply, candidates should send a PDF application package by email to [email protected] with the subject note “Post-doc OPUS 28 US” by 31 October 2026. Required documents include a CV with publications, a one-page letter of intent, details of two referees, a PhD diploma copy, and contact information. The candidate must also include the required GDPR consent statement in the CV. Questions can be directed to Prof. Urszula Sławińska at [email protected]. The laboratory page is available on the Nencki Institute website.