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The main scientific goal of this project is to develop electrochemical microsensors that allow analysis of neurobiologically relevant analytes such as matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and neurotransmitters. Although dopamine is the first and most often analyzed till this day neurotransmitter detected by electrochemical means regardless the effort made for simultaneous detection of dopamine and serotonin no reliable method was proposed. In the case of MMP-9 the main problem of the available electrochemical sensors is their mode of action based on peptide cleavage which does not allow constant detection. After the peptide is cleaved the sensor is considered consumed.

Sensors proposed in this project are based on ion-transfer voltammetry. Traditional voltammetric techniques quantify exchange of electrons between the molecule of interest and the electrode but in case of 

ion-transfer voltammetry the molecule does not have to be electroactive. The prerequisite for the detection is the charge of the molecule. Because of this ion-transfer voltammetry became an interesting means to electrochemically analyze non-electroactive molecules such as proteins, and could potentially serve as a method of constant detection of MMP-9 in neuronal cultures.

The main hurdle in simultaneous analysis of dopamine and serotonin is not only their similar detection potential, which requires employment of electrode modification strategies but also polymerization of dopamine at physiological pH, which causes inactivation of the sensor. Given the huge effort of the scientific community to solve this problem the proposed strategy will be twofold. First, sensors will be fabricated from double barrel capillaries in a way allowing both modes of detection, at one side by means of ion-transfer voltammetry, at the other using well established methods of voltammetric analysis of dopamine on carbon. Secondly, machine learning methods will be applied to quantify both compound based on multivariate curve resolution or multivariate regression.

https://ichf.edu.pl/files/intranet/rodo-tresc-obowiazkowa.doc

The position is available only for short period of 5 months with possibility of extension.

The postdoc will be expected to design and perform experiments independently, in particular the person will be responsible for the preparation of capillaries for ion transfer voltammetry and double barrel probes for ion transfer voltammetry coupled with electrochemistry on carbon surfaces. The person will be responsible for testing the aforementioned sensors and their application to the detection of neurotransmitters, also using FSCV (Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry).

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of Around 8270 PLN gross

per month financed from the NCN SONATA 16 Project No. 2020/39/D/ST4/02256 Electrochemical analysis of neurobiologically relevant analytes

 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for     5 months with a possible extension

We offer an autonomous position in the professional and dynamically developing innovative team.The selected candidate will gain experience in coupling liquid-liquid and solid-liquid voltammetry singals and multivariate data analysis.

The successful candidate will be eligible for all programs at the IPC PAS, including the IPC PAS Young Scientists competition and the IPC PAS Young Scientists Mobility competition.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

PhD degree in chemical or physical sciences, obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. For researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date. Extension might apply according to National Science Centre, Poland, rules.

A person intended to be employed in a post-doc position must meet all of the following conditions:

a) obtained a doctoral degree from an entity other than the entity in which employment in this position is planned;

b) during the period of receiving this remuneration, will not receive any other remuneration from funds granted as direct costs from research projects financed under NCN competitions;

c) during the period of receiving this remuneration, will not receive remuneration from another employer under an employment contract, including an employer with its registered office outside the territory of Poland.

Requirements:

• Ability to work independently as well as in a group.

• Publication record and experience in research.

• Analytical thinking and problem solving.

• Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.

Specific Requirements:

Experience in electrochemistry, particularly ion transfer voltammetry; preparation and testing of micro- and nanoelectrodes is a must due to the short timeframe of the position. Given the need to use FSCV in a non-standard context, the selected candidate should have in-depth knowledge of electrochemical instrumentation..

The Commission will take into account the following criteria and evaluate applications on a point scale:

• Competence for specific tasks in a research project;
• Previous scientific achievements (publication record);
• Candidate’s own initiative in research projects.