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:  Phages, viruses that infect bacteria, employ a wide range of strategies to manipulate host cell biology. They can inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, redirect transcriptional machinery toward phage genes, and interfere with RNA degradation pathways. Among these mechanisms, the production of phage-encoded non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is an emerging and poorly understood area of regulation.

This project focuses on jumbo phages, a group of phages with unusually large genomes (>200 kilobases). These genomes are enigmatic: more than 70% of their open reading frames encode hypothetical proteins with no known homologs, and the presence of functional ncRNAs—particularly those generated through mRNA processing—cannot be inferred from DNA sequence alone. The aim is to characterize the transcriptomes of selected Escherichia jumbo phages, with a specific focus on identifying and functionally analyzing ncRNAs.

Job description: This study combines RNA sequencing, comparative genomics, and functional assays. The junior research specialist will be also responsible for working with bacteriophages, conducting bacterial infections, 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 microbiology (bacterial and phage handling), molecular biology lab techniques, and RNA-Seq experiments and data analysis.
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 June 30^th, 2025. The proposed start date of employment is August 1^st, 2025, or later.

How to apply:

1. Please send your applications via link: erecruiter
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.