Group Leader – Image-guided Devices for Ophthalmic Care (IDoc), ICTER Group

Offer Starting Date: 1 Dec 2024

Offer Description

The International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) is a multi-investigator center for eye research as related to imaging and biochemical techniques to support advances in understanding the etiology and treatment of human blinding diseases. The new research agenda (carried under International Research Agenda’ project no. FENG.02.01-IP.05-T005/23) aims to develop new tools for safer and more effective surgical interventions, new therapies for eye diseases, and diagnostic methods to improve prognosis and restore vision. The main technology to be developed under this program will be a novel robotic system for delivering drugs to the eye and performing a tissue biopsy, in which a robotic system will assist the micromanipulation of the injection device with 3-D localized imaging.

Further information on the research priorities and current expertise of our Center can be found at http://www.icter.pl. 

The Principal Investigator and Group Leader will have a direct impact on lab development and its success in publishing in high impact factor journals. The person will also be responsible for performing dynamic research to create a competitive research group. The positions will be assigned to the Image-guided Devices for Ophthalmic Care (IDoc) group. Within ICTER, the IDoc Laboratory seeks to work on the development and testing of multi-beams OCT for simultaneous probing of cornea deformation induced with non-contact stimulus. The system will allow for fast screening of early-stage keratoconus.

On the other hand, the IDoc lab seeks to develop a novel platform for intraoperative ophthalmic OCT image guidance of robotic-aided treatments to fulfill unmet surgical needs in minimally invasive surgery on the eye (anterior and posterior pole). Novel IR shadowless optical sheathing for smart surgical instruments will be developed.

Where to apply

E-mail: icter_jobs@ichf.edu.pl

Skills/Qualifications

Profile of candidates/requirements:

1. Ph.D. degree (physics, optics, robotics or related field)
2. Documented work experience in robotics or eye research;
3. Strong publication record; 
4. Proven experience in leveraging best practices from research community;
5. Past experience in robotics and/or OCT clinical prototypes;
6. Working knowledge of robotics / or medical instrumentation for eye imaging / or medical biology of eye;
7. Ability to work in a team and manage projects and people;
8. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written;
9. Exhibit strong leadership skills by effectively managing the research team, inspiring innovation, and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment;
10. Candidate represents a level that characterizes ERC winners.

Specific Requirements

Key responsibilities include:

1. Manage and supervise all ongoing and upcoming research activities of the IDoc group, including advancements in the surgical microscope integrated with OCT and robotic arm assistance for ophthalmic procedures;
2. Define the long-term vision and strategy for the group, ensuring alignment with the broader ICTER agenda;
3. Provide guidance and support to junior researchers within the IDoc group;
4. Assign tasks to team members and develop a research schedule to ensure efficient workflow;
5. Engage in close collaboration with other groups within ICTER to foster interdisciplinary research;
6. Apply for grants and pursue other funding opportunities to support the group’s research initiatives.

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Excellent

Research Field:

• Engineering » Precision engineering
• Physics » Optics

Benefits:

1. Full-time employment contract;
2. Opportunity to work in an innovative scientific environment;
3. International cooperation with experienced researchers;
4. A start-up package and allocated funds to support the operational costs of running the group, including the employment of group members, a dedicated coordinator post, consumables and necessary apparatus and maintenance of existing laboratory equipment and prototypes;
5. Competitive salary up to 25 000 PLN gross/month (~EUR 5 800) depending on skills and experience, 1 FTE
6. Administrative support, including assistance with recruitment, procurement, and grant applications, among other tasks;
7. Access to well-staffed new core facilities.

Eligibility criteria

Required documents:

1. CV that includes, among other information:
   1. information about employment history and professional experience, including the current place of employment; 
   2. description of the acquired education and professional qualifications; 
   3. description (up to 300 words) justifying the candidate’s competence to serve as a team leader in the center of excellence;  
   4. list of up to 3 most significant scientific achievements from the last 10 years along with a description of the uniqueness of these achievements; a
   5. list of key grants carried out from 2013 to 2023, along with a description of the impact that the implementation of these projects had on the development of the given scientific field and/or market; 
   6. description (up to 300 words) of the skills and experience in leadership, mentoring, and project management;
   7. description (up to 300 words) containing information about experience in scientific and industrial cooperation, commercialization, and the promotion of science.
2. Cover letter;
3. Copy of PhD Diploma;
4. List of scientific projects managed;
5. List of 3-5 Referees with contact Information.

Please submit the following documents to: icter_jobs@ichf.edu.pl

Kindly specify in the application topic: MCBO-2_11/2024

Application deadline: 31 October 2024

Successful candidates fulfilling the selection criteria and qualifications will be invited for an interview (which will most likely take place in person in November). The competition results shall be announced by December 2024.

The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfills all requirements is found.

The International Centre for Translational Eye Research (Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS) is committed to employment equality (esp. European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers) and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates fulfilling the requirements specified in this announcement.

Selection process

Key evaluation criteria:

1. The value and originality of up to 3 scientific achievements of the candidate (obtained in the last 10 years)
2. Major research interests;
3. Evidence of engaging with public and patients;
4. Experience in leading a research team and/or potential to be a leader;
5. Experience in securing funding and implementing grant projects – both as a project leader and as a team member;
6. Experience in commercializing research results and collaborating with the industry;
7. Participation in supervising theses as a main or assistant supervisor of doctoral dissertations;

• on the 2nd stage       –
• Present how the existing research environment at ICTER — including its technologies, expertise, and collaborative objectives — supports your proposed research and how your research can enrich ICTER’s research environment;
• Present goals, questions, problems to be addressed in the next years – projects

Additional comments

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Location

Company/Institute: International Centre for Translational Eye Research (Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences)

Country: Poland

City: Warsaw

Postal Code: 01-230

Street: Skierniewicka 10a

Website: www.icter.pl

E-Mail: icter_jobs@ichf.edu.pl

For more details about the position please visit (website/webpage address): www.icter.pl or contact Anna Pawlus (apawlus@ichf.edu.pl)

By submitting your application for this advertisement, you consent to the processing of your personal data. We would like to inform you that your personal data provided to us via icter_jobs@ichf.edu.pl are processed to conduct the recruitment process for the position indicated above. The administrator of your personal data is the International Centre for Translational Eye Research with its registered office at Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, NIP: 1080023333, REGON: 000326049-00035.

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The full content of the information clause can be found in the Administrator’s office and upon request sent to the e-mail address: icter@ichf.edu.pl.