Biologist - 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 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.

Warszawa, Warszawa, mazowieckie