PhD in Host–Pathogen Immunology & Single-Cell Genomics

Institute of Fundamental Technological Research Polish Academy of Sciences; Polska; Hybride; PLN 50 000 - 56 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Instytut Podstawowych Problemów Techniki Polskiej Akademii Nauk poszukuje doktoranta/stypendysty NCN do pracy nad regulacją heterogeniczności komórek w odpowiedzi na zakażenia bakteryjne. Praca obejmuje analizy genomiki pojedynczych komórek, mikroskopię oraz modelowanie matematyczne.

Projekt obejmuje integrację danych z ludzkich makrofagów oraz modeli mysich, a także publikacje wyników na konferencjach międzynarodowych. Zgłoszenia do 9 sierpnia 2026, rozpoczęcie we wrześniu 2026.

Qualifications

• Posiadanie tytułu MSc z biologii/biotechnologii/mikrobiologii/immunologii/bioinżynierii lub pokrewnych.

Responsabilités

• Udział w badaniach nad heterogenicznością komórek podczas zakażeń bakteryjnych.

Connaissances

English proficiency

Menedżerowanie eksperymentami

Analiza danych

Programowanie (R/Python)

Formation

MSc in biology/biotechnology/immunology/bioengineering

Outils

Flow cytometry

Microscopy

Next‑gen sequencing

Bioinformatics

Description du poste

BSP-DSP.111.11.2026

Stanowisko: doktorant / stypendysta NCN

OPIS PROJEKTU

Figure 1. Heterogenous nature of host-pathogen interactions with L. monocytogenes (Lm). Live cell microscopy analysis of primary BMDM and RAW 264.7 cells infected with Lm-GFP at MOI=0.25 revealing asmall fraction of replicative Lm. B. Dissemination of Lm in the host via bloodstream and liver. C. Analysis of cellular heterogeneity via mathematical modelling.

WYMAGANIA

WARUNKI ZATRUDNIENIA

Regulation of cellular heterogeneity as an antibacterial control mechanism of infection

BSP-DSP.111.11.2026

Information about the project

Funded by the National Science Centre Poland

Host Institution: Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences.

Position: PhD student

Scientific Discipline: Bioengineering

Application deadline: 9 th of August

Recruitment results: by 24st August 2026

Planned starting date: September, 2026.

Key words: Infection biology, cellular heterogeneity, immune response, macrophages, single-cell genomics, L. monocytogenes

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project aims to elucidate the regulation and function of cellular heterogeneity in innate immune responses to bacterial infection. Although genetically identical immune cells are exposed to the same pathogen and environment, they often display remarkably diverse responses. Emerging evidence suggests that such heterogeneity is not simply biological noise, but may represent an important mechanism controlling infection outcomes.

Using the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes as amodel system, we will investigate how infection reshapes transcriptional variability and signalling networks in macrophages and how these changes influence pathogen control and dissemination. The project combines experimental infection biology, single-cell genomics, advanced imaging, and quantitative modelling to understand immune responses across cellular and tissue scales.

Emphasis will be placed on integrating data from human PBMC-derived macrophages and complementary mouse infection models to identify mechanisms regulating cellular heterogeneity during infection and determine how this variability contributes to effective antibacterial immunity.

Figure 1. Heterogenous nature of host-pathogen interactions with L. monocytogenes (Lm). Live cell microscopy analysis of primary BMDM and RAW 264.7 cells infected with Lm-GFP at MOI=0.25 revealing asmall fraction of replicative Lm. B. Dissemination of Lm in the host via bloodstream and liver. C. Analysis of cellular heterogeneity via mathematical modelling.

DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

Active participation in research activities aimed at understanding cellular heterogeneity during bacterial infection. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the project principal investigator and will participate in:

• Infection experiments using Listeria monocytogenes and primaryimmune cells.
• Generation and analysis of single-cell datasets, including scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq.
• Fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and quantitative characterization of immune responses at the single-cell level.
• Molecular and cellular analyses of infected cells, including gene expression profiling, protein analysis, and cytokine measurements.
• Integration of experimental datasets with computational and mathematical approaches to investigate transcriptional variability, cell-state transitions, and infection outcomes.
• Preparation of scientific publications and presentation of research results at national and international conferences.

ENVIRONMENT

The project will be conducted in the Laboratory of Modelling in Biology and Medicine (PMBM), Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences (IPPT PAN), Warsaw, Poland. The laboratory combines experimental infection biology, advanced microscopy, single-cell genomics, and quantitative modelling to investigate immune responses and host-pathogen interactions. Next-generation sequencing experiments will be performed in collaboration with the Laboratory of Sequencing at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology ( https://nencki.edu.pl/laboratories/laboratory-of-sequencing/ ). The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment and receive training in state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches.

REQUIREMENTS

• MSc degree in biology, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, bioengineering or arelated discipline.
• Experience in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, infection biology, or related experimental disciplines.
• Strong interest in host-pathogen interactions, immunology, infection biology and single-cell biology.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.

The following qualifications will be considered advantageous:

• Experience with mammalian cell culture, primary immune cells, bacterial infection models, flow cytometry, microscopy, molecular biology, next-generation sequencing or bioinformatics.
• Experience with laboratory animal work and mouse models.
• Computational and bioinformatics skills, including R or Python programming, statistical analysis, image analysis, or analysis of omics datasets.
• Experience with quantitative biology, systems biology, mathematical modelling, or machine learning.
• Scientific publications, conference presentations, scholarships, awards, or other evidence of research excellence.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Form of employment: research scholarship.

Scholarship budget under the NCN project: up to PLN 5,000/month.

1. Copy of MSc diploma. Bachelor diplomas may also be included.

2. CV containing information about:

• Publications,
• Conference presentations,
• Prizes and stipends,
• Other information that can help in evaluation, like experience, achievements, and scientific standing of the candidate,

4. Please include in your CV the following clause: "I agree to the processing of personal data contained in my job offer for the needs necessary to carry out the recruitment process conducted by IPPT PAN with headquarters in Warsaw, ul. A. Pawińskiego 5B, according to art. 13 para. 1 and 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data and the repeal of Directive 95/46 / EC (RODO).”