GROUP LEADER Principal Investigator Position

GROUP LEADER

Principal Investigator Position

 

The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), Poland

invites applications for Group Leader, PI position

 

The IIMCB is an internationally recognized research institute in Poland with cutting-edge expertise in RNA and cell biology. In line with IIMCB’s mission, we support ambitious scientists of all nationalities in pursuing frontier research with the potential to advance our understanding of human health and disease.

We are looking for talented, dynamic, and motivated scientists at different stages of their independent research careers to establish or further develop an independent research group in our vibrant research environment. Successful candidates will join the ambitious research program supported by the IIMCB’s strategic projects:

• “RNA and Cell Biology – from Fundamental Research to Therapies” (RACE) funded within the Teaming for Excellence programme under Horizon Europe
• “RNA and Cell Biology Platform for Research and Innovation in Medicine” (RACE-PRIME) carried out within the International Research Agendas programme co-financed by the European Union under the European Funds for Smart Economy 2021-2027.

 

Through RACE and RACE-PRIME, and in partnership with the Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh and the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), IIMCB has established itself as a highly recognized international research center where excellent science is complemented by professional technology transfer in biomedical applications. The Institute’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and the prospect of a larger building provide new groups with exceptional opportunities for scientific and professional development.

The IIMCB hosts a vibrant, multinational community of scientists from over twenty countries and is well connected internationally, as exemplified by the composition of IIMCB’s International Advisory Board and the Institute’s active membership in EU-LIFE, an alliance of sixteen top independent European research institutes. Our sixteen group leaders have an established international standing – six are EMBO members, and four are ERC grantees. As a member of the interdisciplinary Warsaw-4-PhD doctoral program, IIMCB facilitates participation in doctoral education without formal teaching duties. Within this environment, you will develop your own research program, build or further develop your independent research group, and establish a network with other researchers at IIMCB.

Candidates’ profile:  Successful candidates should have a strong record of scientific accomplishments commensurate with their career stage and be able to develop an independent, competitive research program within the broadly defined areas of RNA biology and cell biology. We are particularly interested in research in cell and developmental biology, as well as in computational biology and the application of artificial intelligence in biology. Candidates may pursue primarily experimental, primarily computational, or strongly integrated experimental-computational research. We welcome complementary expertise and research directions that broaden the scientific scope of the Institute. In all cases, scientific excellence, fit with IIMCB, and the potential to complement and synergize with research carried out at the Institute will be key selection criteria (see more at www.iimcb.gov.pl).).

The IIMCB offers Group Leaders:

• Principal Investigator position with an initial appointment of 5 years
• A rolling tenure track upon positive evaluations
• A full-time salary with social benefits
• Start-up funds and core funding after the start-up funds have been used
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and services provided by IN-MOL-CELL Infrastructure Infrastructure
• Benefits of the IIMCB's participation in the interdisciplinary Warsaw-4-PhD doctoral program (physics, chemistry, biology, medical sciences)
• Participation in decision-making through membership in the Laboratory Leaders Council
• Support from an experienced team of professionals in applying for competitive national and international grants
• Comprehensive organizational and administrative support from expert English-speaking staff
• Assistance in relocating and starting life in Poland, including applying for a visa, obtaining temporary residency and finding housing
• Friendly, inclusive, and international English-speaking working environment
• Immersion in the vibrant city of Warsaw, where speaking Polish is not essential

Applications should include:

• Cover letter explaining motivation for application

• Curriculum Vitae with a publication list
• Concise statement of 1-3 scientific achievements (obtained in the last 10 years)

• Two-page summary of research plans

• Contact information for two references

Selection criteria

• Quality of scientific achievements: evidence of scientific excellence and the ability or potential to make significant contributions to advancing knowledge, considered in the context of the candidate’s career stage
• Excitement about research plans: the clarity, innovativeness, and feasibility of the candidate's research proposals
• Fit to the IIMCB: compatibility of the proposed research with IIMCB's strategic objectives, and potential for fostering in-house collaborations
• Leadership and team-building skills: demonstrated or emerging ability to lead, build, and inspire an effective research team, considered in the context of the candidate’s career stage
• Willingness to apply for competitive grants: experience in applying for and/or managing competitive, grant-funded research projects, where appropriate to the candidate’s career stage
• Aptitude for mentoring masters and doctoral students: prior supervision experience, where applicable to the candidate’s career stage, would be an advantage
• Readiness to translate research outcomes into commercial opportunities and engage with industry partners

Deadlines

• December 31, 2026 – submission of applications (late applications may be considered)

• February 15-26, 2027 – online seminars by shortlisted candidates

• April 27-29, 2027 – onsite interviews in Warsaw during the International Advisory Board meeting

The positions are available from September 2027, with the formal appointment dates set on a case-by-case basis.

 

How to apply:

• Applications should be sent via this link: e-recruiter application form
• Please include the following statement in your CV: “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 personal data processing information link. 
• Procedure for whistleblowing, follow-up, and whistleblower protection: whistleblowing procedure.

Inquiries about the offer, research environment, and science in Poland are welcome and should be sent
to inquiries@iimcb.gov.pl.

 

All applications will be handled with strict confidence.

The IIMCB is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in science.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.