Junior Research Specialist position in biochemistry and cell biology

The newly created Laboratory of RNA Splicing  at the International Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, led by Dr. Wojciech Galej, is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and independent Junior Researcher Specialist to join our team.

The ideal candidate should have experience in basic molecular biology and be able to pursue challenging tasks and achieve objectives and collaborate 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 HR Excellence in Research.

 

The position is funded by the National Science Centre (NCN) under the SONATA BIS project no. 2025/58/E/NZ1/00531, titled: “Mechanistic studies of the U12-dependent pre-mRNA splicing”.

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

The successful candidate will support the ongoing research project investigating the mechanism of the U12-dependent pre-mRNA splicing. Building on the foundations established by the group over the past few years, the new directions of the project aims to: 1) identify novel factors involved in U12-dependent splicing; 2) Perform structural analysis of selected U12-dependent splicing complexes; 3) Investigate the interplay between U2- and U12-dependent splicing pathways.

The project combines molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, proteomics and structural biology technologies, offering the opportunity to develop expertise in state-of-the-art experimental approaches while contributing to fundamental discoveries in pre-mRNA processing.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, perform, and optimize experiments in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and proteomics.
• Drive the project forward by developing, testing, and refining original research hypotheses.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and the development of new research directions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support other researchers.

 

Candidate profile:

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in laboratory work and be willing to develop new skills required to support ongoing research projects.

Requirements:

1. BSc (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related life sciences field.
2. Experience in biochemistry and molecular biology
3. Experience in mammalian cell culture and/or protein purification and/or work with RNA
4. Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
5. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
6. Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.

Selection criteria

1. Educational background in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, RNA biology or a related field
2. Practical laboratory experience, particularly in protein biochemistry and molecular/cell biology.
3. Experience with mammalian cell culture is desirable.
4. Soft skills will be evaluated based on the motivation letter, communication skills, ability to work effectively in a team, potential to integrate well within the research group, and the alignment of the candidate’s professional development plans with the goals of the group.

We offer

• A full-time employment contract for 6 months (with the possibility of extension until the end of the project).
• Competitive salary of approximately 6 100 PLN gross/month (The exact amount will be calculated on the basis of the documents provided by the successful candidate upon employment.)
• 13th month’s salary after working for at least 6 months in the given calendar year
• An opportunity to work in an internationally recognized research institute with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• A collaborative, supportive, and international research environment.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies, including advanced microscopy, proteomics, and genome engineering.
• Opportunities to attend international conferences, workshops, and specialized training courses.
• Individual mentoring focused on career development and support in preparing competitive fellowship and grant applications.
• Scientific freedom to develop novel research ideas aligned with the laboratory's interests.

Deadline for applications is November  15th, 2026. Job starting date is January 1st, 2027.

How to apply

1. Apply now via system eRecruiter: eRecruiter application form
2. Your application must be submitted in English and should contain a CV including a full list of publications, a motivation letter with description of your key achievements, and contact details (e-mail and telephone number) of least two potential referees, including one of your direct supervisor.
3. 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.
4. Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: whistleblowing procedure
5. The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfils all requirements is found. 

 

If you have questions about further details, please email wgalej@iimcb.gov.pl.