Research Assistant in the project “Molecular strategies against viral entry and glycan shieldin

University of Gdańsk, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology

Organisation/Company University of Gdańsk, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology Department Recombinant Vaccines Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Research Support Positions Final date to receive applications 3 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 29 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

• Conducting scientific research
• Designing, performing, and analyzing laboratory experiments
• Collaborating within a research team as well as working independently

The SHIELD consortium targets two closely related steps in the viral replication cycle that are, as yet, difficult to study and to exploit for therapeutic interventions:
1) Virion glycosylation in the context of uptake, maturation and viral immunity.
2) Virion dynamics of entry into cells, where the plasticity of the involved proteins and their glycosylation status have key roles. The viruses studied in SHIELD are from the genera of flavivirus (DENV, WNV, YFV, Zika), mammarenaviruses (LASV) and henipaviruses (Hendra, Nipah). We bring a broad spectrum of methodical expertise to understand and exploit the interrelated processes of viral glycosylation and viral dynamics.

Molecular simulations will enable the identification of cryptic pockets in viral proteins that form during the entry process, and the design of inhibitory ligands that bind to such pockets. Theoretical methods will be used to identify ligands for glycosylated viral proteins. This is intertwined with cryo-EM and nano-resolution optical microscopy which enable a detailed analysis of these events, their sensitivity to biological and chemical interference, and will allow a rational optimization of specificity and affinity.

Novel chemical and biological entities (NCEs, NBEs) as tool compounds and potential starting points for drug development are obtained by targeted chemical synthesis, X-ray fragment screening, and nanobody library screens. Additionally, we study biological processes and the influence of interactions in systems of increasing complexity, which range from biochemical in-vitro to cellular assays and in vivo animal models. As the “glycan shield” in Lassa/Hendra/Nipah plays a major role in immune evasion, we explore the immunological effects of an interference with protein glycosylation leading to novel starting point towards the development of effective and robust vaccines.

In conclusion, SHIELD delivers a deeper understanding, and molecular tools to prepare the EU for future pandemic events.

Scope of work:

The research assistant will be responsible for commissioned studies on flaviviruses, with particular focus on viral entry mechanisms and the role of envelope glycoprotein glycosylation in modulating immune responses. Key tasks will include production and purification of viral proteins, propagation of viruses in cell lines with altered glycosylation profiles.

The aim of the research is to better understand the role of the glycan shield in immune evasion and to identify potential targets for the development of new antiviral strategies.

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

• Master's degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Medical Biology.
• Experience in scientific research projects
• Proficiency in molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, and cell culture techniques
• Ability to work under biosafety conditions required for handling viral pathogens
• Experience in production of recombinant proteins and virus-like particles for vaccine antigen development
• Experience working with class II and III viral pathogens
• Proven track record of original research publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Participation in national and international conferences and symposia
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Excellent command of…