Deadline for applications: 31.10.2025
Expected starting date: November/December 2025
Procedure ID: ZKTS.110.1.2025

Project description
The project focuses on the purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) as a key molecular mediator of metabolic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Accumulating evidence shows that α-synuclein (α-Syn) directly interacts with P2X7R, triggering calcium overload, oxidative stress, mitochondrial failure, and impaired glucose metabolism. Using a combination of in vivo PD models (α-Syn oligomer injection, behavioral testing, MRI) and in vitro studies (primary neuronal cultures, molecular and imaging techniques), we will dissect the role of P2X7R in:
• oxidative stress and redox homeostasis,
• mitochondrial quality control (mitophagy, mtUPR),
• central carbon metabolism,
• structural and behavioral changes in the PD brain.
The results are expected to uncover novel mechanisms of α-Syn neurotoxicity and establish P2X7R as a potential therapeutic target in PD.

Key responsibilities
• Planning and conducting in vivo and in vitro experiments (animal work, stereotactic surgery, behavioral tests, cell culture, transfection).
• Application of molecular biology and biochemical techniques (immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, mitochondrial isolation, Western blotting, PCR, enzymatic assays).
• Analysis and interpretation of results, preparation of manuscripts, and presentation of findings at national and international conferences.

Candidate requirements
• Ph.D. in neurobiology, neuropharmacology, molecular biology, or related field (within 7 years before start of employment).
• Proven experience in animal experimentation (valid ethical approval required) and cell culture techniques.
• Strong publication record (JCR-indexed journals) and conference activity.
• Fluent communication and writing in English.
• Knowledge of biochemical and molecular methods; ability to perform statistical analyses.
• Motivation for scientific work, independence, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in a team.

Additional assets: experience with neurodegenerative disease models, mitochondrial biology, or international research mobility.
Additional benefits: private health insurance, Multisport card, support for conference participation
Application
Applicants should send the following documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• CV with full publication list,
• motivation letter including research interests,
• copy of Ph.D. diploma,
• contact details of at least one academic referee.

Apply via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Please use the subject line: Application – Postdoc Position Neurobiology.
In the email title, please include: „ Scholarship grantee/Student” and procedure ID: ZKTS.110.1.2025

Procedure ID: ZKTS.110.1.2025
Deadline for applications: 31.10.2025
Expected starting date: November/December 2025
Duration: 36 months (with possible extension for an additional 12 months; first 6 months’ probation)
Salary: 8500 PLN gross/month + performance-based bonuses

We reserve the right to invite only selected candidates for interviews.

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