Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 10 December 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 February 2026

Contract Length: 12 months and prologation up to 5 years in total

City: Warsaw

Country: Poland

Institution: University of Warsaw

Department: Faculty of Biology

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. It results from a blockage in blood flow that leads to neuronal death and activation of glial cells, particularly astrocytes. While current treatments aim to restore circulation, they do not prevent long-term brain damage. In response to ischemia, astrocytes release bioactive factors that influence inflammation and tissue regeneration, including CHI3L1 (YKL40)—a protein increasingly recognized for its role in signaling pathway modulation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Although elevated CHI3L1 levels are associated with worse stroke outcomes, its exact function remains poorly understood. This project seeks to clarify CHI3L1’s role in post-stroke brain repair and assess whether inhibiting its activity can enhance recovery. Using a photothrombotic stroke model, cell cultures, and advanced methods such as single-cell RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry, we aim to uncover the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential of CHI3L1.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D. degree in biological sciences or a related field obtained before the start date of the employment
• Strong competencies in the field of work with laboratory animals (mice, rats)
• Strong competencies in the field of cell biology and/or neurobiology
• Proficiency in English
• Ability to work in a team, reliability, openness to new concepts and eagerness to tackle challenges
• Scientific curiosity and commitment to research
• If the candidate does not hold a Ph.D. degree at the time of application, they have to declare the predicted date of obtaining the degree. According to the regulations of the National Science Centre, the doctoral degree should be obtained in the year of employment in the project or in the period of 7 years before January 1 of the year of employment in the project

WHAT WE OFFER

Full-time contract, up to 5 years in total. Work in a supportive environment, possibility to apply for own funding and to develop strong individual research profile.