PROJECT: EU Horizon 2020 Teaming Phase 2 project: "Baltic Biomaterials Centre of excellence – BBCE" grant agreement No. 857287.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Part-time Research Assistant position for a PhD student is available in the area of Preclinical biomaterial evaluation

Location of the position

Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Riga, Latvia.

Position start

Starting date is negotiable, but tentatively November 2021.

RECRUITING ORGANIZATION

Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) is a state research institute specializing in organic chemistry, pharmaceutical research, molecular biology and bioorganic chemistry and is leading drug discovery center in the Baltic countries. Within the BBCE project, Preclinical Biomaterial Evaluation Group (part of the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology) is responsible for preclinical assessment of biomaterials designed for bone repair, facial reconstruction, oral and maxillofacial surgery.

THE SCIENTIFIC AND FORMATIVE CHALLENGE OF THE BBCE PROJECT

The overall objective of the BBCE is to develop a joint centre for advanced biomaterials development based on the long-term strategic cooperation between Riga Technical University, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Rīga Stradiņš University and LLC Rīga Stradiņš University Institute of Stomatology, on the one part, and AO Research Institute Davos, Switzerland and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, on the other part. Strategic research direction of Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE) is development of patient specific personalized solutions for bone regeneration in 3 levels: biomaterial composition, geometry and bioactive compound delivery. Full cycle of biomaterials for bone regeneration development consists of continuous steps: 1. Development of biodegradable, osteoconductive and osteoinductive materials, composites and drug delivery systems. 2. Preclinical in vitro/in vivo investigations. 3. Clinical trials.

AVAILABLE POSITION

Within the scope of the BBCE project there is a part-time Research Assistant position in the Preclinical Biomaterial Evaluation Group (BBCE SFG 5) available for a duration of one year with a possible extension of the contract for another year to a student that is currently enrolled in a PhD program in life-sciences.

OUTLINE OF THE POSITION:

The BBCE project, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme (WIDESPREAD-01-2018-2019: Teaming Phase 2) calls to apply for a part-time PhD researcher position, with attractive complementary training activities in multidisciplinary and international scientific environment. Successful candidate will be a part of the Preclinical Biomaterial Evaluation Group and will investigate the tissue response to biomaterials intended for use in bone repair, facial reconstruction, oral and maxillofacial surgery and within multidisciplinary and international scientific network.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND BENEFITS

Part-time Research Assistant position is available to a PhD student with the obligation to defend a PhD thesis.
PhD student will undergo yearly performance assessment related to research and study activities (e.g. exams successfully passed, participation in BBCE training programs, papers published, co-supervising of bachelor and master thesis, assisting in teaching).
A one-year contract will be offered to a selected PhD student with a potential renewal for another year.
Contract involves part-time work of 10 hours per week and requires international mobility for training purposes.
The annual gross salary is EUR 7280 and it will be subjected to all local taxes and other deductions following the national regulations (https://www.fm.gov.lv/en/s/taxes/).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (requirements and necessary competences

The position is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

Master’s degree in life sciences or related fields.
A candidate must be enrolled and study in a PhD program in life sciences or related fields.
At least 3 years of experience in handling rodents (mice, rats) and performing in vivo experiments.
A candidate must hold a veterinarian license.
Excellent oral and written English language skills.
Good communication and team working skills.
Ability to carry out the independent research under the scope of BBCE.

Desirable competences:

Ambition to develop knowledge of research methodologies and discipline.
Capability of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas.

SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE POSITION

The application must include the following:

CV in English (Europass format, max. 5 pages, including a list of publications).
Copy of a valid veterinarian certificate.
A motivation letter in English (max 2 pages), including statement that the applicant fulfils all listed eligibility criteria. The statement that the applicant is eligible to apply for a work permit in Latvia should be included in the motivation letter.
Copy of the Master’s degree diploma.
Contacts of at least two references.

All documents must be submitted to bbcentre@rtu.lv before September 27, 2021 5.00 PM (CET).

For additional information, please contact bbce@rtu.lv and visit https://bbcentre.eu and https://www.osi.lv/en. The selection procedure will be based on two steps. The first step will consist of the screening of all applications received and the selection of a shortlist of candidates based on CV, academic transcripts, motivation, and relevance with the specific research project. The second step will consist of an interview (held in person or online via Skype/ Zoom), resulting in the recruitment of the successful candidate. Prior to recruitment, the successful applicant will be requested to produce the original copies of all certificates and documents declared. Incorrect documents or lack thereof may invalidate the application.

When applying for a competition, the candidate agrees to the processing of his personal data pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/95 / EC / 46 / EC (General Data Protection Regulation) and for storage at the Riga Technical University Personnel Department. Without the consent of the candidate, personal data will not be transferred to third parties, except in the cases specified in the laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Latvia.

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