Junior Research Specialist position in the Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis

Junior Research Specialist positions in the Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis

Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis https://wrobel-lab.iimcb.gov.pl/ in the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, headed by Dr Lidia Wrobel, seeks motivated Junior Research Specialist to join a project that aims at elucidating the mechanisms of ubiquitin-proteasome system failure in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.

You will work on the project funded by Sonata Bis no 2025/58/E/NZ3/00511 entitled: “Subcellular localization and function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in aging and neurodegeneration.”

As a Junior Research Specialist you will work in close collaboration with a postdoctoral fellow and PhD students within a multidisciplinary research team focused on the development and implementation of state-of-the-art neuronal models of ageing and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and patient-derived fibroblasts. You will contribute to the investigation of proteostasis mechanisms by assessing proteasome activity and structural composition in these models. The position also involves close collaboration with team members on the preparation of biological samples for quantitative mass spectrometry and related downstream analyses.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research combining stem cell biology, neurodegeneration research, and proteomics to uncover molecular mechanisms of ageing and neurodegeneration.

Requirements:

1. MSc (or equivalent) in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a related life sciences field.
2. Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, preferably including stem cells (e.g., iPSCs) or primary cells.
3. Experience with biochemical and molecular biology techniques
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.

Preferred (but not required)

1. Experience with iPSC culture or differentiation.
2. Familiarity with neurodegeneration models or ageing research.
3. Experience in sample preparation for mass spectrometry or proteomics workflows is considered an advantage.

Selection criteria:

1. Educational background in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a related field
2. Practical laboratory experience, particularly in mammalian cell culture and molecular or biochemical techniques.
3. Experience with stem cell models (e.g., iPSCs) or neurodegenerative disease models 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:

• Full employment contract initially for 6 months, with the possibility of extension up to the end of the project.

• Gross monthly salary approx. 6 070 pln/month (The final monthly gross salary will be calculated individually during the employment process, taking into account the length of service. Additional bonuses such as the 13th salary, after working for the Institute for six months in a given calendar year)
• A friendly working atmosphere in an international environment
• Interesting scientific projects
• Position with 100% focus on research (no teaching obligations)
• Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual medical care package and membership
  in MultiSport programme
• Full technical, administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel
• Opportunities for professional development - participation in courses, foreign conferences, funding for postgraduate studies, assistance in submitting your own grants

The deadline for applications is April  10^th, 2026. Job starting date is July 1^st, 2026, or as soon as possible after this date.

How to apply:

• Apply via the recruitment system: erecruiter
• Your application must be submitted in English and should contain one file including: 
  • CV (including list of publications and list of skills)
  • motivation letter (including description of your key achievements, max one page)
  • contact information to 2 people who can evaluate you (such as your thesis supervisor, academic advisor)
• 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 https://bit.ly/3ObTUdJ

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://career.iimcb.gov.pl/hr-excellence-in-research/

Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: https://shorturl.at/u2mww.

The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfils all requirements is found.