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

Announcement

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 starts

Starting date is negotiable, but tentatively April 2025.

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.

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.

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 PhD students to apply for a full-time research assistant 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 pharmacological and preclinical aspects of biomaterials, more specifically physicochemical characterization of biomaterials, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of biomaterials for drug delivery, tissue response to biomaterials, intended for use in bone repair.

Employment terms and benefits

Research Assistant position is available to a PhD student currently enrolled in a doctorate program in natural sciences, pharmacology or medicine, 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, articles 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. Contract involves full-time work of 40 hours per week and requires international mobility for training purposes. The annual gross salary is EUR 29000 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:

1. Master’s degree in pharmacology, pharmacy, life sciences or related fields.
2. A candidate must be enrolled and study in a PhD program in pharmacology, pharmacy, life sciences or related fields.
3. At least one year of research experience in biomaterials, pharmacology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or related areas.
4. Excellent oral and written English language skills.

Desirable competences

1. Experience in physicochemical characterization of biomaterials and nanoparticles.
2. Experience in size exclusion chromatography.
3. Pharmacokinetics knowledge and experience.
4. Experience in hard tissue (bone) processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining for histological evaluation.
5. Experience with cell culture models for biomaterial testing.
6. Hands-on experience with immunohistochemistry or fluorescence imaging for tissue analysis.

Selection process for the position

The application must include the following:

1. CV in English (Europass format, max. 5 pages, including a list of publications).
2. A motivation letter in English (max 2 pages), including a statement that the applicant meets all eligibility criteria, with desirable competences and skills clearly evidenced in the CV or substantiated in the letter. The statement that the applicant is eligible to apply for a work permit in Latvia should be included in the motivation letter.
3. Copy of the Master’s degree diploma.

All documents must be submitted to bbcentre@rtu.lv before March 7, 2025 23:59 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. /credits to the 1st picture https://clipart-library.com/