Biologist - Enabling reliable and rapid preclinical evaluation of macrophage- targeting immune modulatory drug candidates with vascularized in vitro 3D human lung cancer microenvironment models
Notice description
Powstaje w kontekście projektu:
SPPW.02.01-IZ.00-0088/20 - Enabling reliable and rapid preclinical evaluation of macrophage- targeting immune modulatory drug candidates with vascularized in vitro 3D human lung cancer microenvironment models
Biologist (2 positions available)
Project Title: Enabling reliable and rapid preclinical evaluation of macrophage-targeting immune modulatory drug
candidates with vascularized in vitro 3D human lung cancer microenvironment models
Project Acronym: MAVERIC__SPPW/MAVERIC/0088/2025-00
Funding: NCBR Swiss-Polish Cooperation Program (Call 2025)
Employer: Living Networks sp. z o. o.
Who We Are:
Living Networks (Warsaw, Poland) is a biotech startup pioneering a novel approach to vascular tissue engineering
based on the highly precise manipulation of cell microcarriers and their controlled assembly into microarrays. Our
platform, VTμA, delivers rapid multi-parametric phenotypic analysis. Each microcarrier gives rise to an independent,
vascularized microenvironment, representing the human vasculature at the microscale. This technology enables the
creation of advanced, fully human-cell based 3D in vitro models for studying complex biological processes and for
high-content drug evaluation.
International Consortium
• Living Networks sp. z o. o. (Poland) – developing AI-powered in vitro models of human immune tumor
microenvironment for high-content immunotherapy testing.
• Abbmira Therapeutics AG (Switzerland) – a biotechnology company focused on macrophage-targeting drug
development.
• Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences – offering expertise in macrophage biology
and cancer biomarkers.
Scientific Challenge & Objectives
The project addresses Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. A major
mechanism of resistance to immunotherapy is the tumor microenvironment (TME), where tumor-associated
macrophages (TAMs) adopt an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype. The project aims to develop novel
small-molecule compounds that reprogram TAMs toward a pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype and modulate the
macrophage–vascular–tumor axis. To increase clinical translatability, the project focuses on human-relevant 3D in
vitro models, including vascularized lung cancer co-culture systems composed of tumor cells, endothelial cells, and
macrophages, and incorporates patient-derived pleural effusions from NSCLC patients.
• Develop and perform 2D and 3D assays to assess the pro-inflammatory activity of three novel drug candidates.
• Select a lead compound based on efficacy, biomarker response, and mechanistic profiling.
• Develop a prototype of a robust, fully human 3D vascularized lung cancer in vitro model with embedded
macrophages.
• Evaluate the ability of the lead compound to induce pro-inflammatory TAM polarization in clinically relevant 3D TME
models enriched with pleural fluid from NSCLC patients.
Key Responsibilities:
• Preparation of mammalian cell cultures (endothelial, fibroblasts, cancer cells, macrophages) for downstream
experiments.
• Support in establishment and maintenance of 3D vascularized human lung cancer microenvironment models.
• Support and collaboration with senior biologists in conducting experiments investigating macrophage polarization
and drug candidate responses.
• Preparation of samples and acquisition of confocal microscopy images at different stages.
• Support in immunostaining and analysis of macrophage polarization markers.
• Basic image analysis, experimental data collection, and documentation.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records and following biosafety procedures.
Candidate Profile:
• Education: Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Bioengineering, or related
field.
• Experience: Proven experience in mammalian cell culture, confocal microscopy, image analysis, and biochemical
assays.
• Teamwork: Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Languages: Very good command of English.
What We Offer & Employment Conditions
Contract Type: Mandate contract (umowa zlecenie) Remuneration: PLN 2,355 gross-gross / month
Period: 1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027 (6
mos) Engagement: 0.3 FTE (2 positions available)
Location: Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
• Access to advanced research infrastructure (confocal microscope, live imaging, fully equipped biolab).
• Mentoring sessions covering entrepreneurship in drug R&D.;
• Cooperation with top-tier international academic and industrial partners from Poland and Switzerland.
How to Apply & Contact
Please send your CV and a Motivation Letter (including description of research experience) by 26 August 2026 to:
Email: jguzowski@thelivingnetworks.com | Website: www.thelivingnetworks.com
Interviews will be held on 27 August 2026.
Okres gwarancji: nie dotyczy
Miejsce realizacji
Kraj: Polska, Województwo: mazowieckie, Powiat: Warszawa, Gmina: Wola, Miejscowość: Warszawa
SPPW.02.01-IZ.00-0088/20 - Enabling reliable and rapid preclinical evaluation of macrophage- targeting immune modulatory drug candidates with vascularized in vitro 3D human lung cancer microenvironment models
Biologist (2 positions available)
Project Title: Enabling reliable and rapid preclinical evaluation of macrophage-targeting immune modulatory drug
candidates with vascularized in vitro 3D human lung cancer microenvironment models
Project Acronym: MAVERIC__SPPW/MAVERIC/0088/2025-00
Funding: NCBR Swiss-Polish Cooperation Program (Call 2025)
Employer: Living Networks sp. z o. o.
Who We Are:
Living Networks (Warsaw, Poland) is a biotech startup pioneering a novel approach to vascular tissue engineering
based on the highly precise manipulation of cell microcarriers and their controlled assembly into microarrays. Our
platform, VTμA, delivers rapid multi-parametric phenotypic analysis. Each microcarrier gives rise to an independent,
vascularized microenvironment, representing the human vasculature at the microscale. This technology enables the
creation of advanced, fully human-cell based 3D in vitro models for studying complex biological processes and for
high-content drug evaluation.
International Consortium
• Living Networks sp. z o. o. (Poland) – developing AI-powered in vitro models of human immune tumor
microenvironment for high-content immunotherapy testing.
• Abbmira Therapeutics AG (Switzerland) – a biotechnology company focused on macrophage-targeting drug
development.
• Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences – offering expertise in macrophage biology
and cancer biomarkers.
Scientific Challenge & Objectives
The project addresses Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. A major
mechanism of resistance to immunotherapy is the tumor microenvironment (TME), where tumor-associated
macrophages (TAMs) adopt an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype. The project aims to develop novel
small-molecule compounds that reprogram TAMs toward a pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype and modulate the
macrophage–vascular–tumor axis. To increase clinical translatability, the project focuses on human-relevant 3D in
vitro models, including vascularized lung cancer co-culture systems composed of tumor cells, endothelial cells, and
macrophages, and incorporates patient-derived pleural effusions from NSCLC patients.
• Develop and perform 2D and 3D assays to assess the pro-inflammatory activity of three novel drug candidates.
• Select a lead compound based on efficacy, biomarker response, and mechanistic profiling.
• Develop a prototype of a robust, fully human 3D vascularized lung cancer in vitro model with embedded
macrophages.
• Evaluate the ability of the lead compound to induce pro-inflammatory TAM polarization in clinically relevant 3D TME
models enriched with pleural fluid from NSCLC patients.
Key Responsibilities:
• Preparation of mammalian cell cultures (endothelial, fibroblasts, cancer cells, macrophages) for downstream
experiments.
• Support in establishment and maintenance of 3D vascularized human lung cancer microenvironment models.
• Support and collaboration with senior biologists in conducting experiments investigating macrophage polarization
and drug candidate responses.
• Preparation of samples and acquisition of confocal microscopy images at different stages.
• Support in immunostaining and analysis of macrophage polarization markers.
• Basic image analysis, experimental data collection, and documentation.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records and following biosafety procedures.
Candidate Profile:
• Education: Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Bioengineering, or related
field.
• Experience: Proven experience in mammalian cell culture, confocal microscopy, image analysis, and biochemical
assays.
• Teamwork: Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Languages: Very good command of English.
What We Offer & Employment Conditions
Contract Type: Mandate contract (umowa zlecenie) Remuneration: PLN 2,355 gross-gross / month
Period: 1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027 (6
mos) Engagement: 0.3 FTE (2 positions available)
Location: Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
• Access to advanced research infrastructure (confocal microscope, live imaging, fully equipped biolab).
• Mentoring sessions covering entrepreneurship in drug R&D.;
• Cooperation with top-tier international academic and industrial partners from Poland and Switzerland.
How to Apply & Contact
Please send your CV and a Motivation Letter (including description of research experience) by 26 August 2026 to:
Email: jguzowski@thelivingnetworks.com | Website: www.thelivingnetworks.com
Interviews will be held on 27 August 2026.
Okres gwarancji: nie dotyczy
Miejsce realizacji
Kraj: Polska, Województwo: mazowieckie, Powiat: Warszawa, Gmina: Wola, Miejscowość: Warszawa
Time limit for receipt of tenders
2026-08-27 10:00:00.0
Location
Kraj: Polska, Województwo: mazowieckie, Powiat: Warszawa, Gmina: Wola, Miejscowość: Warszawa
Category assortment
Measurements, tests and technical acceptance
Buyer details
Living Networks sp. z o. o.
Kasprzaka 44/52
01-224 Warszawa
Województwo: mazowieckie
Kraj: Polska
NIP: 5273136971
Kasprzaka 44/52
01-224 Warszawa
Województwo: mazowieckie
Kraj: Polska
NIP: 5273136971
