Student-scholarship holder at the Poznan Doctoral School of Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences

Institute of Human Genetics of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Organisation/Company Institute of Human Genetics of the Polish Academy of Sciences Department Department of Molecular Pathology IHG PAS Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 7 Sep 2026 - 16:00 (Europe/Brussels) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 29 Jul 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 14/2026/IGC/PSD Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. One of the key factors responsible for the resistance of cancer cells to treatment is hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment. This phenomenon affects approximately 50–80% of patients with stage I–IV NSCLC and is a recognized poor prognostic factor. Despite intensive research into the biology of hypoxia, none of the proposed biomarkers has yet been implemented into routine clinical practice.

The main objective of the project is to identify gene expression signatures characteristic of lung cancer cells that have experienced hypoxia and to assess their potential for metastasis. To this end, we will use a state-of-the-art permanent fluorescent labeling system that will enable the identification of cancer cells experiencing hypoxia. This will allow us to track their fate both in three-dimensional tumor spheroids cultured in vitro and in orthotopic mouse models in vivo.

We will characterize NSCLC cells using advanced transcriptomic methods, including single-nucleus RNA sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and high-resolution spatial transcriptomics. These methods will allow us to determine which genes are activated or silenced in hypoxic cells, both at the single-cell level and within their natural tissue environment. By integrating data obtained from in vitro cultures, primary tumors, and metastases in in vivo mouse models, we will create a detailed map of the distribution of hypoxic cells within the tumor and identify changes in gene expression that may be responsible for the increased aggressiveness of cancer cells.

The project will provide the first comprehensive picture of the changes occurring in lung cancer cells under the influence of hypoxia and will explain how this process promotes metastasis. The results obtained may contribute to the identification of new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets, supporting the development of more effective treatments for NSCLC.

E-mail phdstudiesnan.pl

Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• master’s degree in biology, biotechnology, or a related field
• knowledge of molecular biology and genetics
• familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques and methods for working with RNA
• knowledge of cell culture
• experience with fluorescence imaging techniques is a plus
• very good command of spoken and written English
• high motivation and enthusiasm for working in research
• ability to work in a team

Criteria for the evaluation of candidates

• Candidate’s scientific and professional experience based on his/her participation in:
  • conferences, workshops, training courses and internships
  • participation in research or commercial projects
  • involvement in scientific societies and associations
  • international and professional mobility
  • experience in other sectors, including industry
  • background knowledge in molecular biology.
• Candidate’s scientific achievements, based on study grades, scientific and popular science publications, scholarships; prizes and awards resulting from research carried out; student activity or other achievements .
• Communication skills in English.

Specific Requirements

Required documents

• CV, including research achievements, scientific activities, list of publications.
• Cover letter featuring a short description of research interests, achievements and justification for the…