Job Information
Organisation/Company: Łukasiewicz Research Network - Krakow Institute of Technology
Department: HR
Research Field: Other
Researcher Profile: Other Profession
Positions: Master Positions
Application Deadline: 24 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw)
Country: Poland
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer Starting Date: 5 Oct 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme
Reference Number: CTB_23/2026
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Institution:
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology
Position:
PhD Student – Scholarship Holder in the FIRST TEAM FENG Project
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology announces an open competition for the position of PhD Student – Scholarship Holder in the FIRST TEAM FENG project (No. FENG.02.02-IP.05-0029/23), entitled “Innovative (Nano)Hormone-Chemotherapy: New Drug Delivery Strategies for the Treatment of Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancer”. The project is funded by the Foundation for Polish Science under the FIRST TEAM programme (European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021–2027). Recruitment will be conducted through an open competition in accordance with the FIRST TEAM FENG Scholarship Regulations.
Principal Investigator:
Dr Barbara Pucelik
Project description
The project aims to develop an innovative (nano)hormone-chemotherapy strategy for hormone-dependent breast cancers expressing the HER2 receptor (HR+HER2+). These cancers are associated with poor prognosis and high mortality and account for more than 50% of breast cancer cases. Current treatment strategies involve chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and, subsequently, targeted therapies. However, treatment resistance frequently develops, while the efficacy of endocrine and HER2-targeted therapies is reduced by extensive crosstalk between the respective signalling pathways.
There is therefore a need for dual HR- and HER2-targeted therapeutic strategies that combine high efficacy with reduced adverse effects and the ability to overcome mechanisms of treatment resistance. The project aims to identify unique combinations of chemotherapeutic agents and hormone receptor-interacting molecules exhibiting synergistic activity and favourable safety profiles, followed by the preparation of their bioconjugates and encapsulation in naturally derived polymers.
Subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies will be performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the developed (nano)hormone-chemotherapeutics. A key stage of the project will involve the development of a translational model based on patient-derived tumour organoids that reproduce the realistic microanatomy of the tumour. These organoids will be used for translational testing of nanotherapeutic activity, prediction of patient responses to the developed (nano)hormone-chemotherapy, and assessment of its potential as a competitive alternative to conjugate-based therapies, which are among the most expensive treatment options for HR+HER2+ breast cancer.
Scholarship conditions
- scholarship awarded under a scholarship agreement for a period of 24 months, in the amount of PLN 3,200 per month;
- work in a research organisation focused on innovative and prestigious research and development projects;
- opportunities for continuous professional development, supported by the Institute;
- a working environment supporting sustainable development and based on the principles of equality.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will participate in interdisciplinary research focused on the development and characterisation of novel (nano)hormone-chemotherapy strategies for hormone-dependent breast cancer. The main responsibilities will include:
- participation in studies evaluating the biological activity of selected compounds, drug combinations and newly developed (nano)hormone-chemotherapeutics;
- conducting cell culture experiments and in vitro studies to assess biological activity, cytotoxicity and tumour cell responses to the investigated compounds, drug combinations and formulations;
- participation in studies using advanced cellular and tissue models, including 3D models and organoids, to evaluate therapeutic efficacy, mechanisms of action and the translational potential of the developed therapeutic strategies;
- participation in in vivo studies evaluating the efficacy, safety, biodistribution and biological response to the developed compounds and nanotherapeutics;
- conducting experiments using molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology techniques, including gene and protein expression analyses and other approaches for validating mechanisms of action, such as fluorescence microscopy, immunoassays, RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining;
- participation in the preparation, optimisation and characterisation of nanocarriers and formulations containing selected biologically active compounds;
- participation in studies assessing the physicochemical properties, stability, encapsulation efficiency and release profiles of the developed formulations;
- analysis of relationships between the properties of the developed formulations, the mechanisms of action of their active components and the observed biological effects;
- participation in the analysis and interpretation of molecular and biological data, including changes in gene expression and molecular pathways in response to treatment;
- independent planning and execution of experiments, optimisation of research procedures, and analysis and interpretation of experimental results;
- maintaining laboratory and project documentation and preparing reports on the work performed;
- collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary project team and project partners;
- participation in the preparation of scientific publications and conference presentations and in the dissemination of project results.
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field: Other
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Requirements
The successful candidate should:
- be a PhD student enrolled in a doctoral school;
- hold a Master's degree in biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacy, chemistry, nanotechnology or a related field in the natural or exact sciences;
- demonstrate an interest in studying the molecular mechanisms of action of biologically active compounds, as well as in the application of nanomaterials and modern formulation systems in the development of biologically active substances;
- have knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology, particularly regarding the regulation of cellular processes and mechanisms of action of biologically active compounds, as well as knowledge of nanotechnology and/or active compound delivery systems;
- have laboratory experience and the ability to independently plan and conduct experiments;
- be familiar with, or willing to learn, methods used to investigate protein–ligand interactions and molecular mechanisms of compound action, as well as methods for the preparation and characterisation of nanomaterials and formulations containing biologically active compounds;
- be able to analyse, interpret and clearly present research results;
- have a good command of English sufficient to work with scientific literature, prepare reports and publications, and present research results;
- demonstrate accuracy, reliability and attention to the quality of experimental work and documentation;
- have very good organisational and communication skills and the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team;
- not receive another scientific scholarship under another programme implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science, irrespective of its source of funding, with the exception of the START programme.
Specific Requirements
Additional assets
The following will be considered an advantage:
- experience in designing and conducting experiments aimed at linking the biological activity of a compound with its molecular mechanism of action;
- experience with eukaryotic cell culture, particularly cancer cell culture, and methods for evaluating the biological activity of compounds in vitro;
- familiarity with cellular and molecular biology techniques used to assess cellular responses to biologically active compounds, e.g. flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, Western blotting or RT-qPCR;
- authorisation to perform procedures involving animals used for scientific or educational purposes and/or experience in conducting in vivo studies;
- experience in the preparation, modification and/or characterisation of nanomaterials, nanocarriers or other delivery systems for biologically active compounds;
- experience in the development and optimisation of formulations of biologically active compounds, particularly systems designed to improve their stability, solubility, bioavailability and/or controlled release;
- familiarity with physicochemical characterisation methods for nanomaterials and formulations, such as DLS, zeta potential measurements, UV–Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, stability analysis, encapsulation efficiency and/or active compound release profiling;
- experience in assessing relationships between the physicochemical properties of formulations and their biological activity in vitro;
- basic knowledge of bioinformatics, molecular modelling and docking and/or structural analysis of protein–ligand complexes, as well as the ability to use in silico results to guide experimental design;
- experience in interdisciplinary research and development projects related to the discovery, characterisation, formulation or evaluation of biologically active compounds.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Other
Additional Information
Benefits
- a work environment at a research organization focused on implementing innovative, prestigious research and development projects that support sustainable development, based on the principles of equality
- opportunities for continuous professional development
- free parking space
Eligibility criteria
Required documents
Candidates are requested to submit:
- a CV including information on education, research experience and scientific achievements;
- a cover letter outlining the candidate's scientific interests and motivation to participate in the project;
- a list of publications, conference presentations, participation in research projects and other scientific achievements;
- a document confirming PhD student status;
- other documents confirming the qualifications and experience indicated in the application, if applicable;
- the required consent to the processing of personal data for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the clause provided below.
Candidate evaluation criteria
Candidates will be evaluated by the Selection Committee, taking into account in particular:
- previous scientific and research achievements;
- experience and competencies relevant to the tasks to be performed within the project;
- scientific output, including publications, conference presentations and participation in research projects;
- alignment of the candidate's scientific profile and research interests with the scope of the project;
- motivation for scientific work and participation in the project;
- performance during the interview.
Selection process
Recruitment procedure
- Recruitment will be conducted through an open competition
- Applications will be evaluated by the Selection Committee on the basis of the submitted documents and, for candidates shortlisted for the next stage, an interview
- Selected candidates will be invited to an interview and informed electronically of the date and venue
- Candidates will be informed of the outcome of the recruitment procedure
- The organiser reserves the right not to select any candidate if none of the applicants meets the requirements specified in the announcement
Additional comments
Additional information
Applications should be submitted via the following link:
Applications must be submitted electronically only.
The application deadline is 24 September 2026.
Interviews will be held on 28–29 September 2026.
The successful candidate is expected to be selected by 30 September 2026.
The successful candidate is expected to start work on the project no later than 5 October 2026.
Personal data processing
Please include the following consent clause in the CV submitted to the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology:
Pursuant to Articles 22¹a and 22¹b of the Act of 26 June 1974 – Labour Code, I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology, ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków, for the purposes necessary to conduct the current recruitment process. At the same time, I declare that I have been informed of my rights to access and rectify my personal data, request their erasure, restrict their processing, data portability, object to the processing of my personal data, withdraw my consent to their processing at any time, and lodge a complaint with the President of the Personal Data Protection Office if I consider that my personal data are being processed contrary to applicable legal requirements. I also acknowledge that providing these data is voluntary.
If you wish to participate in future recruitment processes conducted by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology, please additionally include the following clause in your CV:
I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology, ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków, for the purposes of future recruitment processes conducted by the Institute. At the same time, I declare that I have been informed of my rights described above.
Please be informed that the controller of your personal data is the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology (hereinafter: the “Institute”), with its registered office at ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków. Personal data will be processed by the Institute for the purpose of conducting the current recruitment process for the specified position and, where explicit and voluntary consent has been provided, also for the purposes of future recruitment processes. Providing personal data is voluntary.
More information on personal data protection is available on the Institute's website.
Website for additional job details: https://kit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/kariera/
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Krakow Institute of Technology
Country: Poland
State/Province: malopolskie
City: Krakow
Postal Code: 30-418
Street: 73 Zakopianska Street
Contact
State/Province: Malopolska
City: Krakow
Website: https://kit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/
Street: Zakopianska 73
Postal Code: 30-418
E-Mail: rekrutacja@kit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
