General Information

INSTITUTION: Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (IIET PAS)
CITY: Wrocław
POSITION: PhD student – scholarship holder in an NCN research project
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINE: Biological sciences
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE: July 28, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 18, 2025
RECRUITMENT RESULT DATE: September 26, 2025
WSD IPAN WEBSITE: http://wsdipan.intibs.pl
IITD PAN WEBSITE: www.hirszfeld.pl

KEYWORDS: Mesenchymal stem cell secretome, chronic wounds, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, inflammatory skin diseases, regeneration, immunomodulation, antibacterial factors

The Wrocław Doctoral School of Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences (WDS IPAS) and the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, announce a special recruitment for a PhD student – scholarship holder in the research project entitled: “Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Human Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cell (HATMSC) line Secretome on Chronic Skin Conditions”, funded by the National Science Centre (grant no. UMO-2023/50/E/NZ3/00575) at the Laboratory of Biology of Stem and Neoplastic Cancer Cells Biology, at IIET PAS in Wrocław.

We offer work in a dynamic and friendly team focusing on in vitro research in regenerative medicine and basic research related to stem and cancer cells.

Laboratory website: https://hirszfeld.pl/struktura/laboratoria/samodzielne-laboratorium-biologii-komorek-macierzystych-i-nowotworowych/

Project Description

The aim of the project is to investigate the therapeutic properties of the secretome derived from the Human Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cell (HATMSC) line for chronic skin diseases such as diabetic wounds, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Studies will focus on its immunomodulatory, regenerative, and antimicrobial activity, including cytokine (INFγ, IL-1β) pre-conditioning of HATMSCs. Functional assays will be performed on immune cells and in a 3D human skin model. Upon confirming its efficacy in vitro, the HATMSC secretome will be tested in vivo using the ischemic rabbit ear model and an optimized hydrogel system. The project aims to develop an effective and standardized therapy for chronic skin conditions using HATMSC-derived secretome.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to gain a wide range of new skills and develop original research ideas
• Career development support through internal/external training and active participation in scientific conferences
• Participation in interdisciplinary research and international collaboration
• PhD and NCN-funded research scholarships for a period of 4 years

Scholarship Regulations

The PhD student will receive a scholarship for 48 months, including:

• A doctoral scholarship according to Article 209 of the Act of July 20, 2018 (Journal of Laws 2023, item 742), partially funded by the NCN project and covering social security contributions in accordance with the Act of October 13, 1998 (Journal of Laws 2024, item 497). From January 1, 2024, the scholarship rates are:
  • Year I and II (before mid-term evaluation): PLN 3,466.90 gross/month
  • Year III and IV (after mid-term evaluation): PLN 5,340.90 gross/month
• Additional NCN scholarship of PLN 1,000 gross/month (for the entire 48 months)

The scholarships will be disbursed under a scholarship agreement that includes a component funded by the National Science Centre. The terms of payment and the amounts are governed by the provisions of the Act of 20 July 2018 – Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws 2023, item 742) and the Regulations on awarding research scholarships in research projects funded by the National Science Centre, adopted by NCN Resolution No. 124/2022 of December 1st, 2022.

The research and doctoral dissertation will be carried out as part of the project entitled “Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Human Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cell (HATMSC) line Secretome on Chronic Skin Conditions”, funded by the National Science Centre (grant no. UMO-2023/50/E/NZ3/00575).

Recruitment is conducted in accordance with the Regulations on awarding research scholarships in research projects funded by the National Science Centre, the consolidated text of which is an annex to NCN Resolution No. 25/2024 of March 4, 2024, the Act of 20 July 2018 – Law on Higher Education and Science, and the Recruitment Rules of the Wrocław Doctoral School of Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

The scope of work within the research project and the terms of financial support are specified in the "Agreement for the implementation of the doctoral scholarship funded by the National Science Centre."

Responsibilities of the PhD candidate

• Human cell lines culture (mesenchymal/stem cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, etc.)
• Assessment of therapeutic potential of HATMSC secretome using 3D skin models in vitro
• Data analysis, reporting, preparing scientific publications
• Cooperation with the lab team, preparing reagents, securing/transporting samples, mentoring students/interns, participating in conferences
• Fulfilling duties as a PhD student at WDS IPAS

Candidate Requirements

Only persons who do not hold a PhD degree may apply.

Required:

• Master’s degree in biology, biotechnology, or related fields
• Scientific interest in cell biology, molecular biology, biomaterials in regenerative medicine
• High Grade Point Average
• Good communication in English (spoken and written)
• Reliability, motivation for research work, independence, teamwork skills, creativity, professionalism, enthusiasm
• Willingness to collaborate with national and international partners

• Experience in experimental and laboratory work (e.g., cell cultures, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, western blot, immunocytochemistry), supported by previous academic/research projects will be an advance

Required Documents

• Application for admission to the WSD IPAN along with a statement of familiarity with the recruitment regulations for WSD IPAN (https://www.intibs.pl/en/for-students/rules-of-recruitment.html).
• CV and completed personal questionnaire including a list of publications, scholarships, awards, conferences attended (with presentation titles and authors).
• Motivation letter describing research interests, achievements, and reasons for applying.
• Statement confirming that WSD IPAS will be the only doctoral school attended if admitted.
• Copy of MSc diploma or certificate of completion. Diploma and transcript from outside the EU must be apostilled or legalized by a Polish consulate.
• Transcript or diploma supplement from Bachelor and Master’s (or integrated Master’s) studies.
• English language certificate at B2 level or higher (not required if the candidate completed university-level coursework at that level).
• Contact details of 1–2 referees or 1–2 reference letters from previous supervisors/employers.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM (CEST)

• By e-mail (preferred): (subject: recruitment MSC)
  • Originals must be submitted before the start of studies; failure to do so will result in disqualification
• Or in person at: IIET PAS Secretariat, ul. Weigla 12, Wrocław, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Candidate Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation will follow:

• NCN Regulations for awarding scholarships in funded research projects (Annex to NCN Council Resolution No. 124/2022 of Dec 1, 2022)
• WDS IPAS recruitment rules

We reserve the right to leave the position unfilled.

Information Clause

Based on Article. 13 of 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 95/46 / EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (Journal of Laws UE L 119 of 04/05/2016, p. 1), hereinafter referred to as "GDPR", I would like to inform you that:

• The administrator of your personal data is the Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Wrocław, ul. Rudolf Weigl 12, 53-114 Wrocław.
• The administrator of personal data can be contacted by letter to the address given in point 1 above, or by phone at 71 3709940, and the data protection officer appointed by him can be contacted in all matters regarding data processing via the e-mail account: or by post to the registered office address.
• Personal data will be processed in order to perform the administrator's tasks related to recruitment for a research project entitled “Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Human Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cell (HATMSC) line Secretome on Chronic Skin Conditions”, funded by the National Science Centre (grant no. UMO-2023/50/E/NZ3/00575) and to the Wrocław Doctoral School of Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, thus Your personal data will be processed on the basis of the Act of 20 July 2018 Law on Higher Education and Science (Article 6 (1) (c) of the GDPR), the Controller's legitimate interest in the implementation of the research project (Article 6 (1)) f GDPR) and in connection with their necessity to conclude the NCN scholarship agreement (Article 6 (1) (b) of the GDPR).
• Providing your personal data by you is voluntary, but necessary to achieve the above-mentioned purposes.
• Personal data collected in the current recruitment process will be kept during the recruitment period.
• The person whose data is processed has the right to: access personal data, request the rectification of personal data, request the deletion of personal data, request to limit the processing of personal data, object to the processing of data due to a special situation.
• The person whose data is processed also has the right to lodge a complaint with the President of the Personal Data Protection Office, if it is found that the Administrator has breached the provisions on the protection of personal data.
• As a result of processing, decisions will not be made in an automated manner (without human intervention), including not based on profiling.
• Personal data may be made available to our authorized employees, processors, i.e. those performing activities on our behalf (eg IT and accounting services), and the personal data of a Candidate selected in the competition may then be made available to third parties authorized by law.