Junior research specialist (role in the project: Technician)

Junior research specialist (role in the project: Technician)

Recruitment for the project “RNA and Cell Biology Platform for Research and Innovation in Medicine (RACE-PRIME)” (grant agreement no. FENG.02.01-IP.05-T003/23) implemented within the framework
of the International Research Agendas funded by the European Funds for Smart Economy programme,
for the Junior research specialist to carry out research work in the RNA area under the direction of Prof. Gracjan Michlewski, head of the Laboratory of RNA-Protein Interactions - Dioscuri Centre in collaboration with Dr. Ewelina Małecka (Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics) at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB).

The main objective of RACE-PRIME is to transform the IIMCB into a world-class center of excellence in RNA and cell biology. The premise of RACE-PRIME is the translational use of the results of basic research, e.g. to develop the premise of new therapies, and diagnostic methods, discover new therapeutic objectives or identify molecules with desirable properties so that they can be developed into medications.

Description of the project area:  Antibiotic resistance arises as bacteria evolve in response to antibiotics, leading to increased healthcare costs, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. Phages, as an alternative to antibiotics, carry genes that modify the host bacteria's translation processes to favor their transcripts. Given the differences between bacterial and human translation, studying how phages disrupt these mechanisms could reveal innovative therapeutic strategies that target bacteria without affecting human protein synthesis. This project seeks to identify phage proteins associated with ribosomal fractions using mass spectrometry and to investigate their impact on bacterial translation.

Job description: The junior research specialist will be responsible for working with bacteriophages, conducting bacterial infections, purifying ribosomes, performing single-molecule microscopy assays and other biochemical tests, as well as analyzing data.

Requirements:

1. MSc degree in biological sciences or a related field. 
2. Strong knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology principles. 
3. Basic hands-on experience in molecular biology lab techniques, particularly protein or RNA biochemistry, and bacterial or phage handling. 
4. Independence, commitment, initiative, and strong teamwork skills. 
5. Proficiency in spoken and written English. 

Selection criteria:

1. Education and expertise: education, technical skills, relevant experience, and specialized knowledge aligned with the position's requirements. 
2. Scientific achievements: publications, awards, grants, and participation in national and international training programs. 
3. Soft skills: proficiency in spoken and written English, strong communication skills, teamwork ability, and compatibility with the group dynamic. Alignment of personal development goals with project objectives is also key.

Candidates will be selected through an open competition, in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which are part of the HR Excellence in Research strategy. https://shorturl.at/fjot2

We offer:

1. Full-time employment contract, initially for 6 months with the possibility of extension till the end of the project.
2. Competitive salary in the amount of 6000 PLN gross/month.
3. Attractive benefits package including subsidization for MultiSport card and medical insurance.
4. Full technical, administrative, and organizational support in Polish and English from professional staff.
5. Opportunity to participate in courses, conferences, scientific training, and substantive support from colleagues.
6. Opportunity to do a PhD in an extramural form.

Applications can be submitted until February 11^th, 2025. The proposed start date of employment is March 1^st, 2025.

How to apply:

1. Please send your applications via link: e-recruiter
2. Applications should be submitted in English.
3. The application should include
   • CV,
   • list of achievements,
   • a motivation letter describing key scientific achievements,
   • contact details (email and phone number) of at least two potential referees, including your direct supervisor.
4. Please include the following statement in your CV: "I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application documents to be processed by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the recruitment process." Full information is available at https://bit.ly/3ObTUdJ
5. Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: https://shorturl.at/u2mww

The competition may be extended until a candidate meeting all requirements is found.