Early Stage Researcher position in the Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering

Early Stage Researcher position

in bioinformatics of epitranscriptomics in diseases

Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, headed by Prof. Janusz M. Bujnicki, offers a position for an Early Stage Researcher motivated to develop a career in an interdisciplinary and international team.

Deadline for applications is February 28th, 2021.

The job starting date is April 1st, 2021.

We are now looking for an Early Stage Researcher (a Ph.D. candidate), with experience in database development and bioinformatics analyses. You will be involved in an interdisciplinary bioinformatics project that combines software development with analyses of biological data. You will be responsible for extending the MODOMICS database (http://genesilico.pl/modomics/) to include data on RNA modifications in human RNAs that are currently not available or incomplete in the database, such as modifications in mRNAs, lncRNAs, and data related to gene expression. One of the planned analyses involves the analysis of links between genetic variation related to RNA modification in humans with disease, and the development of computer software (e.g., based on machine learning) for predicting biological effects of RNA modification. The project will also involve a lot of data gathering, including systematic reading of scientific literature in the area of RNA biology related to RNA modification and editing. The work will be carried out in collaboration with other group members, so we need a person who likes teamwork and knows how to synergize (also when teamwork means communicating with some collaborators online). The training will also involve research visits in collaborating research groups in Italy and Germany.

The ideal candidate should be able to pursue challenging tasks, solve problems and achieve objectives, and do so in intense collaboration and communication with other researchers. Candidates will be selected in an open competition, according to the procedure complying with the rules of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as a part of HR Excellence in Research strategy https://www.iimcb.gov.pl/en/institute/hr-excellence

This research will be carried out within a framework of a project entitled “ROPES - ROles of ePistranscriptomic in diseasES”, funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 956810.

International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw www.iimcb.gov.pl is one of the top-ranked (A+) Polish research institutes, with a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment. Research topics at IIMCB cover the wide area of molecular, cellular, and structural biology. We are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and have excellent core facilities and supportive administration and we are very successful as applicants for funding from international and national sources. IIMCB is located in a large biomedical campus that offers access to equipment and various possibilities of training and networking. We provide opportunities for extensive interdisciplinary collaborations within the team, in the institute, and internationally. The working language of the institute is English.

The team: Our group http://genesilico.pl is highly interdisciplinary and international. We combine various approaches for studying the structures and mechanisms of biological macromolecules, in particular RNA and macromolecular complexes involving nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. Our key strength is in the integration of various types of theoretical and experimental analyses. We use experimental approaches to characterize the structures and functions of RNAs & RNPs. On the other hand, we develop and use computer programs for data analyses, in particular for modeling based on heterogeneous, low-resolution, and noisy experimental data. We also use theoretical predictions to guide macromolecular design and engineering. One area of special interest of our group is the process of posttranscriptional modification of RNA molecules, how these modifications are introduced in RNA, and how do they influence the RNA structure and function. In this area, the group is known world-wide for the MODOMICS database of RNA modification pathways.

We offer:

• Full employment contract for 36 months
• 3068.85 EUR/month of total remuneration cost, ca. 1800 EUR/month net salary plus family allowance if applicable ca. 300 EUR net/month. The salary will be paid in PLN.
• No teaching obligations, the project focuses on interdisciplinary scientific work
• Research secondments in the group of Prof. Quattrone (UNITN, Italy) and Prof. Frye (DKFZ, Germany). Please mind that several months research stays abroad are part for this project.
• Benefits including a reduced rate for an individual medical care package and membership in the MultiSport programme
• Full technical, administrative, and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel
• Participation in courses and scientific training

We require:

• Formal eligibility for Ph.D. by research in Poland, including M.Sc. recognizable in Poland, in any relevant area (e.g., bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, physics, etc.),
• Fulfilling the following formal criteria (detailed information at https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/other/guides_for_applicants/h2020-guide-appl-msca-itn_en.pdf )
• Researcher status: Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) are young researchers who, at the date of recruitment, are in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
• Nationality: Applicant ESRs can be of any nationality.
• Mobility requirements: Applicant ESRs must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Poland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment.
• Documented experience in computer programming, in particular database development. High level of coding in Python is essential. Experience in website/web server development is essential. Candidates who can demonstrate experience with Django will have advantage. Knowledge of HTML, Javascript, CSS, and BASH scripting, and programming in other languages (including C/C++,R, Java) will be advantageous. Candidates are required to provide samples of their code for every language and programing skill in which they claim expertise. Applications without the code samples will not be considered.
• At least basic understanding of molecular and cellular biology is essential. Knowledge of RNA biology and of RNA modifications is not essential, but will be advantageous.
• Documented experience in computational analyses of biological data is not essential, but will be advantageous.
• Proactive approach to achieving objectives, ability to maintain focus on defined goals, good interpersonal skills, collaborative and adaptive attitude are all essential.
• Very good project and time management skills, ability to work simultaneously on several tasks.
• Very good command of English (fluent written and oral communication).

Priority will be given to candidates with expertise most relevant to the project and to our laboratory, who are familiar with our work and who can convincingly explain why their expertise is a good fit for our requirements.

How to apply:

• Apply now to employment@genesilico.pl
• In the subject of the message include " ROPES_ESR" and your first and last name
• Your application must be submitted in English and should contain: 1) a Curriculum Vitae, 2) a cover letter including a short description of your key achievements and contacts to at least two potential referees, 3) copy of the Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates and the respective Transcript of Records, 4) summary of the Master’s degree thesis, 5) ESR eligibility and declarations form, filled in and signed http://bit.ly/ESR-form
• Please include the following statement in your application: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process.” Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available under the link https://www.iimcb.gov.pl/pl/information-clause
• Best candidate(s) may be given additional questions and tasks as a part of the recruitment process
• The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfills all requirements is found